68 Questions
What is the longest incubation period amongst the listed Plasmodium species?
P. malariae
Which of the following symptoms is not typically associated with Cerebral Malaria?
Nausea and vomiting
What is the purpose of prophylaxis in malaria prevention?
To delay symptoms by weeks to months
What is the typical duration of the incubation period for malaria?
7-30 days
Which species of Plasmodium is associated with severe anemia due to hemolysis?
P. falciparum
Why do residents in malaria-endemic areas often treat themselves without seeking diagnostic confirmation?
They recognize the symptoms as malaria
What is the significance of the liver stage in malaria?
The dormant stage may not be killed by anti-parasitic drugs
What is the relevance of travel history in malaria diagnosis?
It is relevant for at least a year after return from an endemic area
What is the term for a decrease in blood platelets?
Thrombocytopenia
What is the most accurate test for diagnosing malaria?
PCR
What is the term for excessive acidity in the blood and tissue fluids?
Metabolic acidosis
What percentage of red blood cells infected by malaria parasites is considered hyperparasitemia?
5%
What is the term for low blood glucose?
Hypoglycemia
What is the primary goal of chemoprophylaxis?
To prevent malaria
What is the most important factor to consider when assessing the risk of malaria in a traveler?
Destination of travel
What is the estimated number of malaria cases in the US per year?
1500
What is the primary mode of transmission of Cryptosporidiosis?
Ingestion of contaminated water or recreational water contact
Which of the following is a characteristic of Giardia?
It is a zoonotic disease
What is the primary host of Toxoplasmosis?
Cats
Which of the following is a symptom of Giardiasis?
Greasy stools that tend to float
What is the primary mode of transmission of Fasciolopsis?
Ingestion of contaminated water
Which of the following groups is at higher risk of severe disease due to Cryptosporidiosis?
Immunocompromised individuals
What is the primary mode of transmission of Toxoplasmosis?
Ingestion of undercooked meat or exposure to oocysts
Which of the following is a characteristic of Cryptosporidium?
It is resistant to chlorine
What is the estimated number of people infected with Ascaris lumbricoides worldwide?
1 billion
Which of the following is a common complication of Ascaris lumbricoides infection?
Intestinal obstruction
How do people typically get infected with Ascaris lumbricoides?
Through ingesting eggs found in soil
What is the primary symptom of Enterobius vermicularis infection?
Intense perianal itching
How do Enterobius vermicularis eggs spread through a household?
Through eggs remaining on clothing and bedding
What is the preferred diagnostic method for Ascaris lumbricoides infection?
Stool sample
Which of the following parasites is commonly found in the US?
Enterobius vermicularis
What is the typical habitat of Ascaris lumbricoides?
Small intestine
How many eggs can a female Enterobius vermicularis deposit at night?
20,000
What is the primary mode of transmission for Enterobius vermicularis?
Fecal-oral route
Acute renal failure is a rare complication of malaria.
False
Hypoglycemia is only seen in pregnant women with severe malaria.
False
More than 50% of malaria cases in the US are caused by P. vivax.
False
Serology is a reliable method for diagnosing current malaria infections.
False
Malaria can be diagnosed by detecting antibodies in the blood.
True
The PCR test is a rapid and inexpensive method for diagnosing malaria.
False
Cryptosporidiosis is typically spread through contaminated food.
False
Thrombocytopenia is a rare complication of malaria.
False
The style and duration of travel have no impact on the risk of malaria.
False
Giardiasis is the most common parasitic infection in the US.
False
Toxoplasmosis is commonly spread through undercooked pork.
False
Fasciolopsis is a type of liver fluke.
True
Cryptosporidiosis is easily treated with chlorine-disinfected water.
False
Giardiasis is commonly spread through oral-anal sex.
True
Toxoplasmosis is a significant risk for immunocompromised individuals.
True
Fasciola sp. is a type of schistosome.
False
Plasmodium malariae has the shortest incubation period amongst the listed Plasmodium species.
False
Malaria symptoms may include mild jaundice.
True
Cerebral malaria is characterized by normal behavior, consciousness, and seizures.
False
Hemoglobinuria is a complication of malaria due to hemolysis.
True
Pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome may occur even before the parasite counts have decreased in response to treatment.
False
Travel is relevant for at least six months after return for malaria prophylaxis.
False
The liver stage of malaria can be killed by anti-parasitic drugs.
False
Residents in malaria-endemic areas often seek diagnostic confirmation before treating themselves.
False
Ascaris lumbricoides infects around 2 million people worldwide.
False
Enterobius vermicularis is commonly found in South America.
False
Taenia saginata is a type of fluke.
False
Schistosoma sp. are a type of nematode.
False
Ascaris lumbricoides can cause intestinal obstruction.
True
Enterobius vermicularis is typically diagnosed through symptoms and stool samples.
True
Ascaris lumbricoides can cause respiratory obstruction.
True
Dipylidium caninum is a type of tapeworm that infects humans.
False
Ascaris lumbricoides can cause appendicitis.
True
Enterobius vermicularis eggs can survive for up to 72 hours on clothing and bedding.
True
Study Notes
Malaria
- Caused by Plasmodium spp.: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale
- Incubation period: 7-30 days, with P.falciparum having the shortest and P.malariae having the longest incubation period
- Symptoms: fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and general malaise
- Physical findings: elevated temperature, perspiration, weakness, and enlarged spleen
- Additional findings in P.falciparum malaria: mild jaundice, enlargement of the liver, and increased respiratory rate
- Severe malaria complications: cerebral malaria, severe anemia, hemoglobinuria, pulmonary edema, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: blood smear, antigen detection (rapid test), PCR (most accurate), and serology (detecting antibodies by IFA or ELISA)
- Chemoprophylaxis: can delay symptoms by weeks to months for P.ovale or P.vivax
- Four questions to ask for prophylaxis: where is the traveler going, when is the traveler going, what is the style and duration of travel, and who is the traveler
Parasitic Infections
- Non-specific clinical signs
- Limited awareness in medical community
- Lack of a single broad treatment
- Clinical presentation aggravated by concurrent disease, poor sanitation
Helminths
- Types: roundworms, tapeworms, flukes
- Nematodes (roundworms): Ascaris lumbricodes
- Ascaris lumbricodes: found in moist tropical areas, 1 billion infected, 25,000 tons of eggs annually
- Ascaris lumbricodes clinical presentation: lung (pneumonitis, cough, asthma, dyspnea, pain), abdomen (distension, pain, nausea, vomiting, anal itching, anorexia, malabsorption)
- Complications: intestinal obstruction, intussusception, cholangitis, obstructive jaundice, appendicitis, intestinal perforation, peritonitis, and respiratory obstruction
Other Parasitic Infections
- Enterobius vermicularis (pinworms): common in the US, especially in children, symptoms include intense perianal itching, perineal or vaginal pain in adolescent girls
- Enterobius diagnosis: symptoms, perineal or vaginal pain, and detecting eggs on clothing and bedding
- Taenai saginata (beef tapeworm) and Dipylidium caninum (dog tapeworm)
- Flukes: blood flukes (Schistosoma sp.), liver flukes (Fasciola sp.), and intestinal flukes (Fasciolopsis)
- Protozoa: Cryptosporidiosis (300,000 cases in the US each year), Giardiasis (worldwide problem, 2nd most common parasitic infection in the US), and Toxoplasmosis (found in many animals, special hosts include pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals)
Test your knowledge of malaria parasites, including Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale. Learn about disease transmission, incubation periods, symptoms, and prophylaxis. Ideal for travelers and health professionals.
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