Parasitology: hookworm species identification: 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: hookworm species identification

Sample item

Adult hookworms expelled after treatment are examined in the laboratory. The buccal capsule of the specimen carries two pairs of curved teeth on its ventral margin. Which species is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ancylostoma duodenale

Ancylostoma duodenale has two ventral pairs of teeth in the buccal capsule, whereas Necator americanus has a pair of cutting plates. This helps species identification of adult worms after expulsion.

Option by option

  • A. Strongyloides stercoralis

    Strongyloides adults are tiny thread-like worms embedded in the mucosa and have a short buccal cavity without teeth.

  • B. Necator americanus

    Necator americanus has semilunar cutting plates in its buccal capsule, not teeth.

  • C. Ancylostoma duodenale (correct)

    Correct. Two pairs of ventral teeth in the buccal capsule characterise Ancylostoma duodenale.

  • D. Trichuris trichiura

    Trichuris is a whipworm with a long thin anterior end, not a hookworm with a buccal capsule.

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 Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is C, Ancylostoma duodenale. Ancylostoma duodenale has two ventral pairs of teeth in the buccal capsule, whereas Necator americanus has a pair of cutting plates.

Why is "Strongyloides stercoralis" not the answer?

Strongyloides adults are tiny thread-like worms embedded in the mucosa and have a short buccal cavity without teeth.

Why is "Necator americanus" not the answer?

Necator americanus has semilunar cutting plates in its buccal capsule, not teeth.

Why is "Trichuris trichiura" not the answer?

Trichuris is a whipworm with a long thin anterior end, not a hookworm with a buccal capsule.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: hookworm species identification in Microbiology. This helps species identification of adult worms after expulsion.

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: hookworm species identification?

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.