Parasitology: Brugia malayi microfilaria: 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: Brugia malayi microfilaria

Sample item

A blood film taken at night in Kerala shows sheathed microfilariae about 220 micrometres long, with two discrete nuclei at the tail tip. Which species is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Brugia malayi

Brugia malayi microfilariae are sheathed, with two separate nuclei at the tail tip, and are nocturnally periodic in the classic form. W. bancrofti has a tail free of nuclei, and Loa loa has nuclei running to the tip.

Option by option

  • A. Wuchereria bancrofti

    W. bancrofti microfilariae have a clear tail without nuclei at the tip.

  • B. Loa loa

    Loa loa is a daytime-periodic microfilaria with nuclei continuous to the tail tip.

  • C. Brugia malayi (correct)

    Correct. Two discrete terminal nuclei in a sheathed nocturnal microfilaria indicate Brugia malayi.

  • D. Mansonella perstans

    Mansonella perstans microfilariae are unsheathed and nonperiodic.

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, Brugia malayi. Brugia malayi microfilariae are sheathed, with two separate nuclei at the tail tip, and are nocturnally periodic in the classic form.

Why is "Wuchereria bancrofti" not the answer?

W. bancrofti microfilariae have a clear tail without nuclei at the tip.

Why is "Loa loa" not the answer?

Loa loa is a daytime-periodic microfilaria with nuclei continuous to the tail tip.

Why is "Mansonella perstans" not the answer?

Mansonella perstans microfilariae are unsheathed and nonperiodic.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: Brugia malayi microfilaria in Microbiology. W. bancrofti has a tail free of nuclei, and Loa loa has nuclei running to the tip.

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: Brugia malayi microfilaria?

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.