Parasitology: hydatid cyst surgery: 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: hydatid cyst surgery

Sample item

During surgery for a hepatic hydatid cyst, the patient suddenly becomes hypotensive with wheeze and urticaria after cyst fluid spills. Which complication has occurred?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Anaphylaxis from antigen release

Spillage of hydatid fluid releases antigens and can cause anaphylaxis, besides secondary seeding of protoscolices. Surgeons use scolicidal agents and careful isolation of the cyst. Hydatid cysts contain larvae, not adult worms.

Option by option

  • A. Septic shock from Gram-negative bacilli

    Septic shock is not the usual mechanism with sterile cyst fluid.

  • B. Anaphylaxis from antigen release (correct)

    Correct. Cyst fluid spillage causes anaphylaxis.

  • C. Hypoglycaemia from parasite consumption

    Hypoglycaemia is not a feature of hydatid spillage.

  • D. Pulmonary embolism from adult worms

    Hydatid disease is a larval cyst, not adult worms in the vasculature.

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 B, Anaphylaxis from antigen release. Spillage of hydatid fluid releases antigens and can cause anaphylaxis, besides secondary seeding of protoscolices.

Why is "Septic shock from Gram-negative bacilli" not the answer?

Septic shock is not the usual mechanism with sterile cyst fluid.

Why is "Hypoglycaemia from parasite consumption" not the answer?

Hypoglycaemia is not a feature of hydatid spillage.

Why is "Pulmonary embolism from adult worms" not the answer?

Hydatid disease is a larval cyst, not adult worms in the vasculature.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Parasitology: hydatid cyst surgery in Microbiology. Surgeons use scolicidal agents and careful isolation of the cyst. Hydatid cysts contain larvae, not adult worms.

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: hydatid cyst surgery?

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.