Parasitology: liver flukes: 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.

Try it

Microbiology · Parasitology: liver flukes

Sample item

A man from southern China who regularly eats raw freshwater fish has recurrent cholangitis, and 20 years later develops cholangiocarcinoma. Stool shows small, operculated eggs with prominent shoulders. Which parasite is responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Clonorchis sinensis

Clonorchis sinensis, the Chinese liver fluke, is acquired by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish that carry metacercariae, and lives in the bile ducts. Chronic infection predisposes to cholangiocarcinoma. Praziquantel is the treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Clonorchis sinensis (correct)

    Correct. Raw fish, small operculated eggs and cholangiocarcinoma point to Clonorchis.

  • B. Fasciola hepatica

    Fasciola hepatica is acquired from aquatic plants and has large eggs.

  • C. Schistosoma haematobium

    Schistosoma haematobium causes bladder disease and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder.

  • D. Paragonimus westermani

    Paragonimus is a lung fluke acquired from raw crabs.

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 A, Clonorchis sinensis. Clonorchis sinensis, the Chinese liver fluke, is acquired by eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish that carry metacercariae, and lives in the bile ducts.

Why is "Fasciola hepatica" not the answer?

Fasciola hepatica is acquired from aquatic plants and has large eggs.

Why is "Schistosoma haematobium" not the answer?

Schistosoma haematobium causes bladder disease and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Why is "Paragonimus westermani" not the answer?

Paragonimus is a lung fluke acquired from raw crabs.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: liver flukes in Microbiology. Chronic infection predisposes to cholangiocarcinoma. Praziquantel is the treatment.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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: liver flukes?

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.