Parasitology: cutaneous larva migrans: 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: cutaneous larva migrans

Sample item

A traveller who lay on a tropical beach develops an intensely itchy, raised, winding red track on the sole that advances a few millimetres each day. Stool microscopy is normal and the eosinophil count is mildly raised. Which organism's larvae are responsible?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ancylostoma braziliense

Larvae of animal hookworms such as Ancylostoma braziliense penetrate human skin but cannot complete their cycle, so they wander in the epidermis producing a slowly advancing serpiginous track. Stool is normal because no adult worms develop in the gut.

Option by option

  • A. Strongyloides stercoralis

    Strongyloides causes larva currens, a rapidly moving urticarial track mainly over the buttocks and trunk, with larvae in stool.

  • B. Dracunculus medinensis

    Dracunculus produces a blister from an emerging adult female, not a migrating track.

  • C. Necator americanus

    Necator larvae cause a transient itchy ground-itch rash and then mature in the gut, with eggs in stool.

  • D. Ancylostoma braziliense (correct)

    Correct. Animal hookworm larvae wander in the skin and cause a slowly advancing creeping eruption.

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 D, Ancylostoma braziliense. Larvae of animal hookworms such as Ancylostoma braziliense penetrate human skin but cannot complete their cycle, so they wander in the epidermis producing a slowly advancing serpiginous track.

Why is "Strongyloides stercoralis" not the answer?

Strongyloides causes larva currens, a rapidly moving urticarial track mainly over the buttocks and trunk, with larvae in stool.

Why is "Dracunculus medinensis" not the answer?

Dracunculus produces a blister from an emerging adult female, not a migrating track.

Why is "Necator americanus" not the answer?

Necator larvae cause a transient itchy ground-itch rash and then mature in the gut, with eggs in stool.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: cutaneous larva migrans in Microbiology. Stool is normal because no adult worms develop in the gut.

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: cutaneous larva migrans?

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.