Parasitology: 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

Sample item

A man presents with new-onset seizures and CT shows a ring-enhancing cystic lesion with an eccentric dot. How is neurocysticercosis acquired?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Ingestion of Taenia solium eggs

Neurocysticercosis results when humans ingest eggs of Taenia solium through faecally contaminated food or water or through autoinfection. Oncospheres penetrate the gut and form cysticerci in brain and muscle; the dot is the scolex.

Option by option

  • A. Ingestion of Taenia solium eggs (correct)

    Egg ingestion allows larval cysts to develop in human tissues.

  • B. Contact with dog faeces containing Echinococcus eggs

    Echinococcus eggs cause hydatid cysts, usually large unilocular cysts in liver or lung rather than a small cyst with an eccentric dot.

  • C. Eating undercooked pork containing cysticerci

    Eating cysticerci in pork produces intestinal taeniasis, not tissue cysts.

  • D. Skin penetration by filariform larvae

    Skin penetration by larvae is the route of hookworm and Strongyloides.

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, Ingestion of Taenia solium eggs. Neurocysticercosis results when humans ingest eggs of Taenia solium through faecally contaminated food or water or through autoinfection.

Why is "Contact with dog faeces containing Echinococcus eggs" not the answer?

Echinococcus eggs cause hydatid cysts, usually large unilocular cysts in liver or lung rather than a small cyst with an eccentric dot.

Why is "Eating undercooked pork containing cysticerci" not the answer?

Eating cysticerci in pork produces intestinal taeniasis, not tissue cysts.

Why is "Skin penetration by filariform larvae" not the answer?

Skin penetration by larvae is the route of hookworm and Strongyloides.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology in Microbiology. Oncospheres penetrate the gut and form cysticerci in brain and muscle; the dot is the scolex.

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?

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.