Parasitology: Fasciola hepatica: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Microbiology · Parasitology: Fasciola hepatica

Sample item

A shepherd who regularly eats raw watercress has fever, right upper quadrant pain and eosinophilia. Stool shows large operculated eggs, and praziquantel produced no cure. Which drug is most appropriate?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Triclabendazole

Fasciola hepatica, the sheep liver fluke, is acquired by eating metacercariae on aquatic plants. Unlike most trematodes it does not respond to praziquantel. Triclabendazole is the drug of choice for both the migratory and biliary phases.

Option by option

  • A. Ivermectin

    Ivermectin acts on nematodes such as Strongyloides and Onchocerca.

  • B. Albendazole

    Albendazole is not reliably effective against Fasciola.

  • C. Triclabendazole (correct)

    Correct. Triclabendazole is the treatment for fascioliasis.

  • D. Diethylcarbamazine

    Diethylcarbamazine is used for lymphatic filariasis and loiasis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, Triclabendazole. Fasciola hepatica, the sheep liver fluke, is acquired by eating metacercariae on aquatic plants.

Why is "Ivermectin" not the answer?

Ivermectin acts on nematodes such as Strongyloides and Onchocerca.

Why is "Albendazole" not the answer?

Albendazole is not reliably effective against Fasciola.

Why is "Diethylcarbamazine" not the answer?

Diethylcarbamazine is used for lymphatic filariasis and loiasis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: Fasciola hepatica in Microbiology. Unlike most trematodes it does not respond to praziquantel. Triclabendazole is the drug of choice for both the migratory and biliary phases.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Parasitology: Fasciola hepatica?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.