Cancer epidemiology: aflatoxin: practice question

A PSM 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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PSM · Cancer epidemiology: aflatoxin

Sample item

In a rural community, groundnuts are stored in damp conditions. The area has a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly among people positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Which agent is the likely co-carcinogen?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Aflatoxin B1 from Aspergillus flavus

Aflatoxin B1, produced by Aspergillus flavus on poorly stored groundnuts and grain, is a potent hepatocarcinogen and acts synergistically with hepatitis B infection. Control rests on dry storage, proper drying and food inspection.

Option by option

  • A. Sanguinarine from Argemone mexicana

    Sanguinarine in contaminated mustard oil causes epidemic dropsy.

  • B. Beta-oxalyl amino alanine from Lathyrus sativus

    This toxin causes lathyrism, a spastic paraplegia from khesari dal.

  • C. Ergotamine from Claviceps purpurea

    Ergot causes ergotism, with gangrene or convulsions, not liver cancer.

  • D. Aflatoxin B1 from Aspergillus flavus (correct)

    Correct. Aflatoxin contamination of damp groundnuts is linked to liver cancer.

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 PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, Aflatoxin B1 from Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin B1, produced by Aspergillus flavus on poorly stored groundnuts and grain, is a potent hepatocarcinogen and acts synergistically with hepatitis B infection.

Why is "Sanguinarine from Argemone mexicana" not the answer?

Sanguinarine in contaminated mustard oil causes epidemic dropsy.

Why is "Beta-oxalyl amino alanine from Lathyrus sativus" not the answer?

This toxin causes lathyrism, a spastic paraplegia from khesari dal.

Why is "Ergotamine from Claviceps purpurea" not the answer?

Ergot causes ergotism, with gangrene or convulsions, not liver cancer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cancer epidemiology: aflatoxin in PSM. Control rests on dry storage, proper drying and food inspection.

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 Cancer epidemiology: aflatoxin?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM 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.