Parasitology: Schistosoma japonicum intermediate host: 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: Schistosoma japonicum intermediate host

Sample item

A rice farmer from the Philippines has hepatosplenic disease with periportal fibrosis. Stool shows oval eggs with a tiny lateral spine. Which snail genus is the intermediate host?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Oncomelania

Schistosoma japonicum uses Oncomelania snails as intermediate host. Its eggs have a rudimentary lateral spine, and heavy egg load in the portal system produces hepatosplenic disease.

Option by option

  • A. Lymnaea

    Lymnaea snails host Fasciola hepatica.

  • B. Bulinus

    Bulinus is the host for Schistosoma haematobium.

  • C. Oncomelania (correct)

    Correct. Oncomelania snails transmit S. japonicum.

  • D. Biomphalaria

    Biomphalaria is the host for Schistosoma mansoni.

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, Oncomelania. Schistosoma japonicum uses Oncomelania snails as intermediate host.

Why is "Lymnaea" not the answer?

Lymnaea snails host Fasciola hepatica.

Why is "Bulinus" not the answer?

Bulinus is the host for Schistosoma haematobium.

Why is "Biomphalaria" not the answer?

Biomphalaria is the host for Schistosoma mansoni.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: Schistosoma japonicum intermediate host in Microbiology. Its eggs have a rudimentary lateral spine, and heavy egg load in the portal system produces hepatosplenic disease.

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: Schistosoma japonicum intermediate host?

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.