Other Parasitic Diseases is part of Biology. Below are notes on 7 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

African Trypanosomiasis

  • African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness):
  • Caused by: Protozoan parasite Trypanosoma species.
  • Transmitted by: Bite of infected Tsetse fly (Glossina palpalis species).
  • Affects: Humans and other animals.
  • Malaria:
  • Caused by: Protozoan parasite Plasmodium species.
  • Carrier/Vector: Mosquito (Anopheles species).
  • Malignant Malaria: Caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
  • Most common in India (approx. 65% cases): Caused by Plasmodium vivax.
  • Drugs for Malaria: Quinine, Chloroquine, Primaquine, Fansidar (a combined drug).
  • Other Parasitic Diseases/Vectors:
  • Leishmaniasis: Caused by Leishmania (not Anopheles Stephensi).
  • Filariasis: Transmitted by Culex Pipiens mosquito.
  • Dengue fever: Transmitted by Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
  • Chaga's disease: A protozoan disease.
  • Insect-borne diseases: Yellow Fever, Sleeping Sickness, Malaria, Dengue fever, Filariasis.

Cysticercosis

  • Cysticercosis: Tissue infection caused by the larval stage (cysticerci) of the pork tapeworm, `Taenia solium`.
  • Transmission: Ingestion of `Taenia solium` eggs, typically from contaminated food/water or auto-infection from a person with adult `Taenia solium` (taeniasis).
  • Taeniasis: Intestinal infection caused by adult tapeworms, including `Taenia solium`, `Taenia saginata` (beef tapeworm), and `Taenia asiatica`.
  • Neuro-cysticercosis (NCC): Condition where `Taenia solium` cysts develop in the brain; a leading cause of acquired epilepsy globally, especially in endemic regions.
  • Other common cyst sites: Muscles, subcutaneous tissues, and eyes.

Giardiasis

  • Giardiasis is caused by the flagellate protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia (Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis).
  • Giardia lamblia is commonly known as the "Grand old man of Intestine".
  • Giardiasis is an intestinal infection, characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and malabsorption.
  • Protozoans cause serious diseases, including dysentery (e.g., Amoebic dysentery by Entamoeba histolytica).
  • Microorganisms are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, including deserts.
  • Pyorrhoea disease is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba gingivalis.
  • Entamoeba gingivalis is also referred to as 'Mouth Amoeba'.

Leishmaniasis

  • Leishmaniasis: A parasitic disease caused by protozoa.
  • Causative Agent: Protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania.
  • Transmission: Primarily vector-borne by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
  • Major Forms:
    • Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) / Kalaazar: Most severe form. Affects internal organs such as the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Symptoms include irregular fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen), and anemia. Potentially fatal if untreated.
    • Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL): Most common form, causing skin sores or ulcers.
    • Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL): Affects mucous membranes, primarily of the nose, mouth, and throat.
  • Geographical Distribution: Prevalent in tropical, subtropical, and Southern European regions. Endemic in parts of Asia, East Africa, and South America.
  • India Context: Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kalaazar) is endemic, with India having an elimination program.
  • WHO: Classified as one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
  • Treatment: Includes antimonial compounds, Amphotericin B, and Miltefosine.

Myiasis

  • Myiasis: Parasitic infestation of live vertebrate animals (including humans) by dipteran larvae (maggots) that feed on the host's necrotic or living tissue, body fluids, or ingested food.
  • Causative Agents: Larvae of various fly families, primarily Diptera, including Calliphoridae (blowflies), Sarcophagidae (flesh flies), Oestridae (botflies), and Muscidae (house flies).
  • Classification (based on host dependence):
    • Obligatory/Specific Myiasis: Larvae require a living host for development (e.g., Dermatobia hominis, Cordylobia anthropophaga, Cochliomyia hominivorax).
    • Facultative/Semi-specific Myiasis: Larvae usually develop in decaying organic matter but can infest living tissue opportunistically (e.g., Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya bezziana).
    • Accidental Myiasis: Larvae are accidentally ingested or gain entry to unusual sites (e.g., Eristalis tenax rat-tailed maggots).
  • Classification (based on affected tissue/location):
    • Cutaneous Myiasis: Infestation of skin.
      • Furuncular Myiasis: Single, boil-like lesion (e.g., Dermatobia hominis - human botfly, Cordylobia anthropophaga tumbu fly).
      • Wound/Traumatic Myiasis: Infestation of open wounds (e.g., Cochliomyia hominivorax - New World screwworm).
      • Creeping/Migratory Myiasis: Larvae tunnel under the skin (e.g., Gasterophilus spp. - horse botfly larvae).
    • Nasal, Aural, Ophthalmic, Oral, Urogenital, and Intestinal Myiasis: Infestation of respective body cavities/organs.
  • Symptoms: Range from minor irritation to severe tissue destruction, pain, itching, visible moving larvae, and secondary bacterial infections.
  • Diagnosis: Visual identification of larvae in the affected tissue or lesion.
  • Treatment: Manual removal of larvae, surgical excision, or occlusion (e.g., with petroleum jelly) to force larvae to emerge for easier extraction.
  • Prevention: Good personal hygiene, proper wound care, sanitation, insect repellents, and fly control measures (screens, traps).

Scabies

  • Causative Agent: Mite, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.
  • Type: Ectoparasite.
  • Transmission: Primarily direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact; less commonly via shared fomites (bedding, clothing).
  • Mechanism: Female mite burrows into the stratum corneum (outer skin layer) to lay eggs.
  • Symptoms: Intense pruritus (itching), especially at night; small red papules, vesicles; characteristic burrows (thin, irregular lines).
  • Common Sites: Interdigital spaces, wrists, elbows, axillae, waistline, genitalia, buttocks. In infants: head, neck, palms, soles.
  • Incubation Period: 2-6 weeks for primary infection; 1-4 days for re-infection.
  • Diagnosis: Clinical presentation, identification of mites, eggs, or fecal pellets (scybala) from skin scrapings.
  • Treatment: Topical scabicides (e.g., permethrin cream) or oral ivermectin. Treatment of close contacts is essential.
  • Crusted Scabies (Norwegian Scabies): Severe form, typically in immunocompromised individuals, characterized by thick crusts with thousands of mites; highly contagious.

Schistosomiasis

  • Planaria: A free-living organism.
  • Dodder (Cuscuta/Amarbel):
    • A parasitic angiosperm.
    • Possesses special sucking roots (haustoria) for nutrient absorption from host.
    • Vine-like and essentially leafless.
    • Loses its root system after attaching to a host plant.
    • Causes significant weed problems in horticulture.
    • Obtains nutrition by tapping into the host plant's vascular tissue via haustoria.
  • Anguina tritici: A parasitic nematode found on wheat plants.
  • Wuchereria bancrofti:
    • The scientific name for the causal organism of Filariasis (Elephantiasis).
    • A nematode.
    • Causes chronic inflammation in the lymphatic vessels, particularly of the lower limbs.
    • Transmitted by mosquitoes (e.g., Culex pipiens).
  • Ascaris lumbricoides (Roundworm): Exhibits separate sexes.
  • Tapeworm:
    • A hermaphrodite animal.
    • Utilizes a parasitic nutritive strategy.
  • Filaria (Filariasis): Caused by a nematode (e.g., Wuchereria bancrofti).
  • Guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis): A nematode (not an annelid).
  • Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica):
    • Lives in the bile ducts, commonly of sheep (also affects humans).
    • A hermaphrodite animal.
  • Plasmodium (Malarial parasite):
    • A protozoan parasite responsible for malaria.
    • Transmitted to humans via mosquito bites.
    • Undergoes initial multiplication in the human liver after infection.
    • Affects the liver, spleen, and red blood cells in the human body.
    • Malaria is a parasitic infection.
  • Hermaphrodite Animals (possess both male and female reproductive organs): Examples include Tapeworm, Fasciola (Liver fluke), Hydra, and Earthworm.
  • Non-Hermaphrodite Animals (separate sexes): Example includes Ascaris (Roundworm).
  • Nepenthes (Pitcher Plant): A carnivorous plant, not a parasitic angiosperm.

28. Genetic Disorders

Practice MCQs: Other Parasitic Diseases

African Trypanosomiasis

  1. 'Sleeping sickness' is caused by

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2021

    1. Trypanosoma
    2. Leishmania
    3. Plasmodium
    4. Paramecium
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Trypanosoma

    Sleeping sickness is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei.

  2. Which one of the following organisms is responsible for sleeping sickness ?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2019

    1. Leishmania
    2. Trypanosoma
    3. Ascaris
    4. Helicobacter
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Trypanosoma

    Ergotism results from poisoning by toxins produced by the Claviceps fungus, which grows on grains.

  3. Aflatoxin is produced by

    Asked in: Food Safety Officer 2019

    1. Aspergillus species
    2. Salmonella species
    3. Fusarium species
    4. Streptococcal species
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Aspergillus species

    - Aflatoxins are mycotoxins. - They are produced by specific species of the fungus Aspergillus. - Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are the most common producers of aflatoxins. - Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens and can cause liver damage. Sleeping sickness is caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma and is transmitted by the tsetse fly.

  4. Which of the following Protozoan disease is transmitted by bite of tse tse fly ?

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2020

    1. Sleeping sickness
    2. Delhi boli
    3. Kala azar
    4. Chaga's disease
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Sleeping sickness

    - Sleeping sickness is caused by Trypanosoma brucei. - The vector for Trypanosoma brucei is the tsetse fly. - The bite of the infected fly transmits the parasite to humans.

  5. Sleeping sickness is a parasitic disease of humans and other animals. It is caused by

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 1 2017

    1. Histomonas
    2. Trypanosoma
    3. Angomonac
    4. Naegleria
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Trypanosoma

    Sleeping sickness is caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma.

  6. Malignant malaria is caused by -

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2021

    1. Plasmodium vivax
    2. Plasmodium ovale
    3. Plasmodium malariae
    4. Plasmodium falciparum
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Plasmodium falciparum

    - Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent malaria parasite on the African continent and is responsible for most malaria-related deaths globally. - Infection with Plasmodium falciparum can lead to severe complications, including cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, and multi-organ failure.

  7. Species of Plasmodium which causes Malignant Malaria :

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2023

    1. Vivax
    2. Falciparum
    3. Ovale
    4. Malarial
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Falciparum

    Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Different species cause varying degrees of severity of the disease.

  8. Which one of the following is NOT correctly matched?

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2015

    1. Anopheles Stephensi - Leishmaniasis
    2. Glossina Palpalis - Sleeping sickness
    3. Culex Pipiens - Filariasis
    4. Aedes Aegypti - Dengue fever
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Anopheles Stephensi - Leishmaniasis

    Anopheles mosquitoes are the vectors for Malaria. Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.

  9. Combined drug in use to cure the Malaria is

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2019

    1. Quinine
    2. Fansidar
    3. Chloroquine
    4. Primaquine
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Fansidar

    - Malaria is treated with antimalarial drugs. - Combination therapies are preferred to combat drug resistance and improve efficacy. - Fansidar is a fixed-dose combination of Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine. - Quinine, Chloroquine, and Primaquine are other antimalarial drugs, historically used individually or as part of combinations.

  10. Which of the following disease is caused by Protozoa ?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2008

    1. Malaria
    2. Cholera
    3. Jaundice
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Malaria

    Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms. Other diseases caused by protozoa include amoebiasis, giardiasis, and leishmaniasis.

  11. Which of the following parasites is responsible Tor65% of the cases of malaria in India?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2008

    1. P. malariae
    2. P. vivax
    3. P. falciparum
    4. P. ovale
    Show answer

    Answer: B. P. vivax

    Historically and in recent data (though proportions can shift), Plasmodium vivax has been the predominant species causing malaria in India, accounting for a larger percentage of reported cases compared to Plasmodium falciparum, P. malariae, or P. ovale. P. falciparum is responsible for more severe and potentially fatal forms of malaria, but P. vivax is more widespread and causes a larger number of overall cases.

  12. Sleeping sickness happens due to

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2007

    1. deficiency of Vitamin-A
    2. deficiency of calcium in body
    3. rising of Blood Pressure
    4. mono cell animal named Trypanosoma
    Show answer

    Answer: D. mono cell animal named Trypanosoma

    Sleeping sickness is caused by a single-celled parasite (protozoan) belonging to the genus Trypanosoma. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly.

  13. Carrier of parasite plasmodium:

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2010

    1. Fly
    2. Mosquito
    3. Teek
    4. Air
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Mosquito

    Specifically, the female Anopheles mosquito transmits the Plasmodium parasite from an infected person to a healthy person through its bite. The parasite undergoes part of its life cycle within the mosquito.

  14. Which of the following is an insect borne disease ?

    Asked in: Chief Fire Officer Exam 2021

    1. Yellow Fever
    2. Polio
    3. Influenza
    4. Syphilis
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yellow Fever

    Yellow Fever is transmitted by mosquitoes, making it an insect-borne disease.

Cysticercosis

  1. Consider the following statements : 1. Taeniasis is an intestinal infection caused by three species of tapeworm— Taenia solium, Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica. 2. When cysts develop in the brain, the condition is referred to as neuro- cysticercosis (NCC). Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 69th

    1. Only 1
    2. Only 2
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Both 1 and 2

    Statement 1: Taeniasis is indeed an intestinal infection in humans caused by ingesting raw or undercooked infected meat containing the larval cysts (cysticercus) of three main species of tapeworm: Taenia solium (pork), Taenia saginata (beef), and Taenia asiatica (primarily pork, found in Asia). This statement is correct. Statement 2: Cysticercosis is a tissue infection caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium. Humans get cysticercosis by ingesting the eggs of Taenia solium (unlike taeniasis, which is caused by ingesting the cyst in meat). The larvae hatch from the eggs, invade tissues, and form cysts. When these cysts develop in the brain, the condition is specifically called neurocysticercosis (NCC). This statement is correct.

Giardiasis

  1. Consider the following statements: (1) Protozoans cause serious diseases like dysentery. (2) All microorganisms grow on our food and cause food poisoning. (3) Microorganisms can live in desert environment. (4) All microorganisms are useful for commercial production of medicines and alcohol. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2023

    1. (2) and (4) only
    2. (1) and (4) only
    3. (1) and (3) only
    4. (2) and (3) only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (1) and (3) only

    Microorganisms exhibit great diversity in their habitats, metabolic processes, and interactions with humans (some causing disease, others being beneficial).

  2. Which of the following protozoa is known as the "Grand old man of Intestine"?

    Asked in: COMBINED STATE ENGINEERING SERVICES 2024

    1. Arcellla
    2. Radiolaria
    3. Giardia
    4. Diffusia
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Giardia

    Giardia is a parasitic protozoan that commonly infects the human intestine, leading to gastrointestinal issues, and is sometimes referred to as the "Grand old man of Intestine."

  3. Pyorrhoea disease is caused by (a) Chilomonas (b) Entamoeba histolytica (c) Trichomonas (d) Entamoeba gingivalis

    Asked in: DENTAL SURGEON (SCREENING) EXAMINATION 2023

    1. Chilomonas
    2. Entamoeba histolytica
    3. Trichomonas
    4. Entamoeba gingivalis
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Entamoeba gingivalis

    This question tests knowledge of common human diseases and their causative agents, specifically focusing on oral health issues.

  4. Pyworrhoea disease is caused by

    Asked in: DENTAL SURGEON (SCREENING) EXAMINATION 2023

    1. (a) Chilomonas
    2. (b) Entamoeba histolytica
    3. (c) Trichomonas
    4. (d) Entamoeba gingivalis
    Show answer

    Answer: D. (d) Entamoeba gingivalis

    This question tests knowledge of common diseases and their causative agents, specifically focusing on oral health.

  5. Which one of the following is called 'Mouth Amoeba' ?

    Asked in: HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL OFFICER 2 2023

    1. Entamoeba histolytica
    2. Pelomyxa
    3. Entamoeba gingivalis
    4. Amoeba Proteus
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Entamoeba gingivalis

    This question probes knowledge of protozoa and their specific habitats or characteristics. The term "Mouth Amoeba" is a specific identifier for a particular species.

Leishmaniasis

  1. Which of the following diseases is caused by protozoa?

    Asked in: MPPSC CS Prelims 2017

    1. Cholera
    2. Diphtheria
    3. Pneumonia
    4. Malaria
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Malaria

    Malaria is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which are single-celled eukaryotic organisms classified as protozoa. These parasites are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Cholera is caused by bacteria (Vibrio cholerae). Diphtheria is caused by bacteria (Corynebacterium diphtheriae). Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but Malaria is definitively caused by a protozoan.

  2. Which one of the following is not a site of action in the human body for the malarial parasite Plasmodium?

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 2 2015

    1. Liver
    2. Kidney
    3. Red blood cell
    4. Brain
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Kidney

    The main sites of Plasmodium infection in humans are the liver (exo-erythrocytic stage) and red blood cells (erythrocytic stage).

Myiasis

  1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists : List-I A. Abdominal dropsy in carps is caused by B. Furunculosis in Salmon and Trout is caused by C. White spot disease is caused by D. Water mold disease is caused by List-II 1. Aeromonas salmonicida 2. Ichthyophthirius multifilidis 3. Aeromonas punctata 4. Saprolegnia and Achlya Codes : A B C D (1) 2 1 4 3 (2) 3 1 2 4 (3) 1 3 4 2 (4) 1 2 4 3 (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: Asst. Fisheries Development Officer 2024

    1. 2 1 4 3
    2. 3 1 2 4
    3. 1 3 4 2
    4. 1 2 4 3
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 3 1 2 4

    - Abdominal dropsy in carps is often linked to Aeromonas punctata. - Furunculosis in Salmon and Trout is caused by Aeromonas salmonicida. - White spot disease is caused by the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifilidis. - Water mold disease is caused by Saprolegnia and Achlya.

  2. Which one of the following parasite is not a crustacean copepod ? (1) Argulus (2) Lernaea (3) Salmincola (4) Camallanus (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: Asst. Fisheries Development Officer 2024

    1. Argulus
    2. Lernaea
    3. Salmincola
    4. Camallanus
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Camallanus

    Camallanus is a nematode (roundworm) parasite, whereas Argulus, Lernaea, and Salmincola are crustacean copepods.

  3. Which of the following snakes is NOT poisonous ?

    Asked in: HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICAL OFFICER 2 2023

    1. Krait
    2. Cobra
    3. Python
    4. Viper
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Python

    Pythons are constrictors and do not possess venom. Kraits, Cobras, and Vipers are all venomous snakes found in India.

  4. Consider the following statements about mosquitoes 1. Only males suck blood 2. Only females suck blood 3. Females suck plant juices 4. Males have bigger wings than females 5. Females have bigger wings than males Of these

    Asked in: RO ARO pre 2016

    1. Only 2 and 4 are correct
    2. Only 1 and 2 are correct
    3. Only 3 and 5 are correct
    4. Only 3 and 5 are correct
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Only 1 and 2 are correct

    Female mosquitoes are the ones that suck blood, as they require the protein from blood for egg development. Male mosquitoes feed on nectar and plant juices for energy. Wing size difference between male and female mosquitoes is not a distinguishing characteristic for blood-sucking behavior.

Scabies

  1. Female Anopheles can be distinguished from female Culex because it sits

    Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 68th

    1. at an angle with substratum
    2. parallel to the surface of substratum
    3. at right angle to the surface of substratum
    4. More than one of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: A. at an angle with substratum

    The resting posture is a key morphological difference used to distinguish Anopheles from Culex mosquitoes.

Schistosomiasis

  1. Which one among the following is a free living animal ?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2021

    1. Liver fluke
    2. Wuchereria
    3. Plasmodium
    4. Planaria
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Planaria

    Free-living organisms are independent and not parasitic or sessile. Planaria is a well-known example of a free-living flatworm.

  2. Which of the following statements about the parasite is/are TRUE? 1. Dodder is a plant parasite, which has special sucking roots called haustoria for absorption of food from the host plant. 2. Dodder is a vine-like parasitic plant and is essentially leafless. 3. Many species of Dodder cause weed problems in the horticulture industry. 4. Once the Dodder plant gets attached itself to the host plant it loses its root system. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

    Asked in: HAS Prelims 2022

    1. 2 and 4 only
    2. 3 and 4 only
    3. 1, 3 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Dodder is a non-photosynthetic plant parasite that relies entirely on its host via specialized absorbing structures called haustoria, losing its own roots after establishment.

  3. Anguina tritici is the parasitic nematode found on _____ plant.

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2023

    1. Wheat
    2. Rice
    3. Jowar
    4. Bajra
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Wheat

    Anguina tritici is a notorious plant nematode pest primarily affecting wheat crops.

  4. Which one of the following is the scientific name of the causal organism of elephantiasis ?

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 2 2017

    1. Ascaris lumbricoides
    2. Culex pipiens
    3. Wuchereria bancrofti
    4. Fasciola hepatica
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Wuchereria bancrofti

    Elephantiasis, or Lymphatic Filariasis, is a parasitic disease caused by nematode worms, primarily Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. These worms block the lymphatic system, leading to swelling.

  5. Consider the following statements: I. Tapeworm is a hermaphrodite. II. Round-worm has separate sexes. III. Filaria is caused by a nematode. IV. Guinea worm is an annelid. Which of these are correct?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2001

    1. I and II
    2. I, II and III
    3. III and IV
    4. II, III and IV
    Show answer

    Answer: B. I, II and III

    - Tapeworms are hermaphroditic flatworms. - Roundworms have separate male and female individuals. - Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by thread-like nematodes. - Guinea worm is a parasitic nematode. Annelids are segmented worms like earthworms and leeches.

  6. Liver fluke lives in the bile dust of:

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 1998

    1. Horse
    2. Cow
    3. Man
    4. Sheep
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Sheep

    Liver flukes are parasitic flatworms that cause the disease Fascioliasis. The life cycle involves an intermediate host, usually a freshwater snail, and a definitive host (mammals).

  7. The pathogen responsible for the chronic inflammation in the lymphatic vessels of the lower limb of the human is :

    Asked in: Asst. Engineer Comb. Comp. Exam (Pre) 2024

    1. Wuchereria bancrofti
    2. Entamoeba histolytica
    3. Microsporum
    4. Epidermophyton
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Wuchereria bancrofti

    Wuchereria bancrofti is a filarial nematode (roundworm) that causes lymphatic filariasis, a tropical disease. The adult worms live in the lymphatic system, and their presence and the inflammatory response they trigger can lead to blockage and swelling of the lymphatic vessels, especially in the legs and scrotum.

  8. After entering the human body through mosquito bite, the malarial parasite (plasmodium) shows initial multiplication in-

    Asked in: ASCO 2014

    1. Spinal chord
    2. Blood
    3. Liver
    4. Spleen
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Liver

    HORTICULTURE DEVELOPMENT OF‐ FICER(HDO) -2015 The liver is the primary site for the initial multiplication of the malarial parasite (Plasmodium) in the human body after a mosquito bite.

  9. Which of the following diseases is caused by a protozoan parasite?

    Asked in: JUNIOR laboratory assistant 2025

    1. Tuberculosis
    2. Malaria
    3. Typhoid
    4. Cholera
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Malaria

    Malaria is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite.

  10. Malaria affects which part of human body?

    Asked in: Field Investigator 2020

    1. Kidney
    2. Spleen
    3. Liver
    4. All of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: D. All of the above

    Malaria parasites infect the liver and red blood cells, and often lead to an enlarged spleen.

  11. Which of the following uses parasitic nutritive strategy ?

    Asked in: Executive Officer and Tax & Revenue Inspector Exam 2023

    1. Cow
    2. Mushroom
    3. Tape-worm
    4. Lion
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Tape-worm

    The question asks to identify an organism that uses a parasitic nutritive strategy. This means the organism lives on or inside another organism (the host) and benefits at the host's expense, typically by obtaining nutrients. Tapeworms are classic examples of endoparasites.

  12. Which one of these is not a hermaphrodite animal? - (D).”. Fasciola

    Asked in: Paper I 4

    1. Hydra
    2. Earthworm
    3. Ascaris
    4. Fasciola
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Ascaris

    Ascaris is not a hermaphrodite animal; it has separate sexes.

  13. Consider the following statements about mosquitoes

    Asked in: RO ARO pre 2016

    1. Only 2 and 4 are correct.
    2. Only 1 and 2 are correct.
    3. Only 3 and 5 are correct.
    4. Only 4 and 5 are correct.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Only 4 and 5 are correct.

    Statement 5 is accurate: Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria. Statement 4 is inaccurate: Female mosquitoes bite, not males. The selection of option D suggests a flawed question or answer key.

  14. The malaria parasite is transmitted to man by

    Asked in: Forest Officer (RFO) 2018

    1. lice
    2. flea
    3. mosquito
    4. fly
    Show answer

    Answer: C. mosquito

    This question tests basic knowledge of biology and public health, specifically regarding the transmission vectors of common diseases.