Parasitology: Entamoeba coli cyst: 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.

Try it

Microbiology · Parasitology: Entamoeba coli cyst

Sample item

A stool concentration smear shows a cyst with eight nuclei and splinter-shaped chromatoid bodies. What is the correct interpretation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Entamoeba coli, a harmless commensal

Mature Entamoeba coli cysts have up to eight nuclei and splinter-like chromatoid bodies, whereas E. histolytica cysts have four nuclei and rounded chromatoid bars. E. coli is a non-pathogenic commensal and needs no treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Entamoeba coli, a harmless commensal (correct)

    Correct. Eight nuclei and splinter chromatoid bodies identify E. coli, a commensal.

  • B. Giardia lamblia needing tinidazole

    Giardia cysts are oval with four nuclei and axonemes.

  • C. Endolimax nana, which causes dysentery

    Endolimax nana cysts are small with four nuclei and it is non-pathogenic.

  • D. Entamoeba histolytica needing a luminal amoebicide

    E. histolytica cysts have a maximum of four nuclei with rounded-end chromatoid bars.

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.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is A, Entamoeba coli, a harmless commensal. Mature Entamoeba coli cysts have up to eight nuclei and splinter-like chromatoid bodies, whereas E.

Why is "Giardia lamblia needing tinidazole" not the answer?

Giardia cysts are oval with four nuclei and axonemes.

Why is "Endolimax nana, which causes dysentery" not the answer?

Endolimax nana cysts are small with four nuclei and it is non-pathogenic.

Why is "Entamoeba histolytica needing a luminal amoebicide" not the answer?

E. histolytica cysts have a maximum of four nuclei with rounded-end chromatoid bars.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: Entamoeba coli cyst in Microbiology. histolytica cysts have four nuclei and rounded chromatoid bars. E. coli is a non-pathogenic commensal and needs no treatment.

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: Entamoeba coli cyst?

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.