Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: loiasis and its vector: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: loiasis and its vector

Sample item

A man returns from the West African rain forest with recurrent, transient, non-pitting itchy swellings of the forearm, and once noticed a thread-like worm crossing his conjunctiva. Which arthropod transmits this infection?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Chrysops (deer fly)

Loa loa causes Calabar swellings and the eyeworm sign, and is transmitted by the day-biting Chrysops fly. Diagnosis is by daytime blood film for microfilariae, and diethylcarbamazine is the standard treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Simulium (black fly)

    Simulium transmits Onchocerca volvulus, which gives nodules and itching rather than Calabar swellings.

  • B. Chrysops (deer fly) (correct)

    Correct. Chrysops transmits Loa loa in the African rain forest.

  • C. Glossina (tsetse fly)

    Glossina transmits African trypanosomiasis, causing a chancre and sleeping sickness.

  • D. Culex mosquito

    Culex mosquitoes transmit Wuchereria bancrofti, causing lymphatic filariasis.

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.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is B, Chrysops (deer fly). Loa loa causes Calabar swellings and the eyeworm sign, and is transmitted by the day-biting Chrysops fly.

Why is "Simulium (black fly)" not the answer?

Simulium transmits Onchocerca volvulus, which gives nodules and itching rather than Calabar swellings.

Why is "Glossina (tsetse fly)" not the answer?

Glossina transmits African trypanosomiasis, causing a chancre and sleeping sickness.

Why is "Culex mosquito" not the answer?

Culex mosquitoes transmit Wuchereria bancrofti, causing lymphatic filariasis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: loiasis and its vector in Dermatology. Diagnosis is by daytime blood film for microfilariae, and diethylcarbamazine is the standard 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 Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: loiasis and its vector?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.