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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
Eating undercooked meat can lead to food-borne disease via helminthic infection. What is the common host for Taenia saginata?
A. fish
fish: Fish are a source of other parasitic infections such as Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm), but they are not the intermediate host for Taenia saginata.
B. ducks
ducks: Ducks may carry parasites and bacteria transmissible to humans, but they are not associated with transmission of Taenia saginata.
C. pigs
pigs: Pigs serve as the intermediate host for Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), not Taenia saginata.
D. cows
cows: Cattle are the intermediate host for Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm). Humans acquire the infection by consuming undercooked or raw beef containing larval cysts.
E. chickens
Chickens can transmit other pathogens such as Salmonella, but they are not involved in the life cycle of Taenia saginata.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Fa25 biol Microbiology (Hennepin Technical College) proctored exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. fish: Fish are a source of other parasitic infections such as Diphyllobothrium latum (fish tapeworm), but they are not the intermediate host for Taenia saginata.
B. ducks: Ducks may carry parasites and bacteria transmissible to humans, but they are not associated with transmission of Taenia saginata.
C. pigs: Pigs serve as the intermediate host for Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), not Taenia saginata.
D. cows: Cattle are the intermediate host for Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm). Humans acquire the infection by consuming undercooked or raw beef containing larval cysts.
E. chickens: Chickens can transmit other pathogens such as Salmonella, but they are not involved in the life cycle of Taenia saginata.
Similar Questions
Pinworm is a disease caused by species.
A. Escherichia
Escherichia: This bacterial genus includes Escherichia coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal illness, but it does not cause pinworm disease.
B. Enterococcus
Enterococcus: These bacteria are part of the normal gut flora and may cause opportunistic infections, but they are not responsible for pinworm infestation.
C. Enterobius
Enterobius: Enterobius vermicularis is the causative agent of pinworm infection, a helminthic disease spread via the fecal–oral route and characterized by perianal itching, especially at night.
D. Entamoeba
Entamoeba: Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis and dysentery, but it is unrelated to pinworm disease.
Full Explanation
A. Escherichia: This bacterial genus includes Escherichia coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal illness, but it does not cause pinworm disease.
B. Enterococcus: These bacteria are part of the normal gut flora and may cause opportunistic infections, but they are not responsible for pinworm infestation.
C. Enterobius: Enterobius vermicularis is the causative agent of pinworm infection, a helminthic disease spread via the fecal–oral route and characterized by perianal itching, especially at night.
D. Entamoeba: Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis and dysentery, but it is unrelated to pinworm disease.
Adulthood and mating of helminths occur in which host?
A. Intermediate host
Intermediate host: The intermediate host harbors the larval or asexual stage of a parasite but does not support adult development or mating of helminths.
B. Secondary host
Secondary host: This term is sometimes used interchangeably with intermediate host, meaning it also supports only immature stages of the parasite rather than adulthood and reproduction.
C. Definitive host
Definitive host: The definitive host is where helminths reach maturity and undergo sexual reproduction. Adulthood and mating occur here.
D. Transport host
Transport host: A transport (paratenic) host temporarily harbors the parasite without further development, serving mainly to pass it to another host.
E. Mating takes place in all hosts.
Only the definitive host provides the environment for sexual reproduction and full maturity of helminths.
Full Explanation
A. Intermediate host: The intermediate host harbors the larval or asexual stage of a parasite but does not support adult development or mating of helminths.
B. Secondary host: This term is sometimes used interchangeably with intermediate host, meaning it also supports only immature stages of the parasite rather than adulthood and reproduction.
C. Definitive host: The definitive host is where helminths reach maturity and undergo sexual reproduction. Adulthood and mating occur here.
D. Transport host: A transport (paratenic) host temporarily harbors the parasite without further development, serving mainly to pass it to another host.
E. Mating takes place in all hosts: Only the definitive host provides the environment for sexual reproduction and full maturity of helminths.
Protists include
A. yeasts and molds.
yeasts and molds: These are classified as fungi, not protists. They reproduce by spores and have distinct cellular structures different from protists.
B. algae and protozoa.
algae and protozoa: Protists are a diverse group of mostly unicellular eukaryotes, and this category includes algae, which perform photosynthesis, and protozoa, which are animal-like and often motile.
C. helminths.
helminths: Helminths are multicellular parasitic worms such as tapeworms and roundworms. They are not protists because they are much more complex organisms.
D. bacteria.
bacteria: Bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms lacking a nucleus, while protists are eukaryotic and contain membrane-bound organelles.
E. viruses.
Viruses are acellular entities that require a host to replicate, and they are not considered part of the protist kingdom.
Full Explanation
A. yeasts and molds: These are classified as fungi, not protists. They reproduce by spores and have distinct cellular structures different from protists.
B. algae and protozoa: Protists are a diverse group of mostly unicellular eukaryotes, and this category includes algae, which perform photosynthesis, and protozoa, which are animal-like and often motile.
C. helminths: Helminths are multicellular parasitic worms such as tapeworms and roundworms. They are not protists because they are much more complex organisms.
D. bacteria: Bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms lacking a nucleus, while protists are eukaryotic and contain membrane-bound organelles.
E. viruses: Viruses are acellular entities that require a host to replicate, and they are not considered part of the protist kingdom.