Parasitology: amoebic liver abscess pathology: 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: amoebic liver abscess pathology

Sample item

Aspiration of an amoebic liver abscess yields reddish-brown, odourless pus. In which part of the abscess are trophozoites most likely to be found on examination?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. At the periphery, in the abscess wall

Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica lyse hepatocytes at the advancing edge, so they are found in the wall of the abscess, and the central pus is mostly necrotic liquefied tissue. Therefore, the last aliquots of aspirate or the cavity wall give the best yield.

Option by option

  • A. In the centre of the necrotic pus

    The central necrotic pus is acellular debris with few trophozoites.

  • B. Inside the bile ducts

    Amoebic abscesses do not typically involve the bile ducts.

  • C. Only within the portal vein lumen

    Trophozoites reach the liver through the portal vein but do not remain in its lumen.

  • D. At the periphery, in the abscess wall (correct)

    Correct. The invasive trophozoites lie at the advancing periphery.

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, At the periphery, in the abscess wall. Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica lyse hepatocytes at the advancing edge, so they are found in the wall of the abscess, and the central pus is mostly necrotic liquefied tissue.

Why is "In the centre of the necrotic pus" not the answer?

The central necrotic pus is acellular debris with few trophozoites.

Why is "Inside the bile ducts" not the answer?

Amoebic abscesses do not typically involve the bile ducts.

Why is "Only within the portal vein lumen" not the answer?

Trophozoites reach the liver through the portal vein but do not remain in its lumen.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: amoebic liver abscess pathology in Microbiology. Therefore, the last aliquots of aspirate or the cavity wall give the best yield.

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: amoebic liver abscess pathology?

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.