Test Bank: Medical Parasitology, 7th Edition
(Leventhal & Cheadle) Format: Multiple Choice
COMPLETE EXAM
Answer Key & Rationale: Provided after each question
Chapter 1: Introduction (Parasite-Host Relationships, Life Cycles, Zoonoses)
1. In a general nematode parasite's life cycle, the host may ingest a fertile egg. This stage of the
life cycle is referred to as the:
A) Definitive host phase
B) Diagnostic stage
C) Infective stage
D) Method of infection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The infective stage is the point at which the parasite is capable of entering and
developing within the host. It is a required part of the parasite's life cycle .
2. A parasite that lives inside a host is referred to as a(n):
A) Accidental parasite
B) Ectoparasite
C) Endoparasite
D) Facultative parasite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Endoparasites live inside the host (e.g., in the intestines, blood, or
tissues). Ectoparasites (e.g., ticks, lice) live on the external surface of the host .
3. Zoonosis is a term used to describe humans' relationship with a(n):
A) Accidental parasite
B) Ectoparasite
C) Endoparasite
D) Facultative parasite
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Zoonosis is an infection that is accidentally transmitted from animals to humans. The
parasite usually parasitizes animals, and humans are an accidental host .
4. An animal that harbors a parasite that can also infect humans is referred to as a(n):
A) Definitive host
B) Intermediate host
C) Reservoir host
D) Transport host
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A reservoir host harbors parasites that are also infective for humans. Infections occur
when humans encounter infected animals or infective forms related to that parasite's life cycle .
5. The host in which the parasite reaches sexual or reproductive maturity is referred to as a(n):
A) Definitive host
B) Intermediate host
C) Reservoir host
D) Transport host
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The definitive host harbors the parasite in its adult (sexually mature) form, which
promotes continuance of the parasite's life cycle .
Chapter 2: Nematoda (Roundworms)
6. A clinical sign that may suggest the presence of a filarial nematode infection is:
A) Diarrhea
B) Eosinophilia
C) Jaundice
D) Microcytic anemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Eosinophilia is a hallmark of tissue-invasive helminth infections, including filarial
nematodes (e.g., Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi), as eosinophils attack parasitic larvae .
7. The nematode infection that may become more severe through ingestion of infective eggs,
especially in infected infants, is:
(Leventhal & Cheadle) Format: Multiple Choice
COMPLETE EXAM
Answer Key & Rationale: Provided after each question
Chapter 1: Introduction (Parasite-Host Relationships, Life Cycles, Zoonoses)
1. In a general nematode parasite's life cycle, the host may ingest a fertile egg. This stage of the
life cycle is referred to as the:
A) Definitive host phase
B) Diagnostic stage
C) Infective stage
D) Method of infection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The infective stage is the point at which the parasite is capable of entering and
developing within the host. It is a required part of the parasite's life cycle .
2. A parasite that lives inside a host is referred to as a(n):
A) Accidental parasite
B) Ectoparasite
C) Endoparasite
D) Facultative parasite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Endoparasites live inside the host (e.g., in the intestines, blood, or
tissues). Ectoparasites (e.g., ticks, lice) live on the external surface of the host .
3. Zoonosis is a term used to describe humans' relationship with a(n):
A) Accidental parasite
B) Ectoparasite
C) Endoparasite
D) Facultative parasite
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Zoonosis is an infection that is accidentally transmitted from animals to humans. The
parasite usually parasitizes animals, and humans are an accidental host .
4. An animal that harbors a parasite that can also infect humans is referred to as a(n):
A) Definitive host
B) Intermediate host
C) Reservoir host
D) Transport host
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A reservoir host harbors parasites that are also infective for humans. Infections occur
when humans encounter infected animals or infective forms related to that parasite's life cycle .
5. The host in which the parasite reaches sexual or reproductive maturity is referred to as a(n):
A) Definitive host
B) Intermediate host
C) Reservoir host
D) Transport host
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The definitive host harbors the parasite in its adult (sexually mature) form, which
promotes continuance of the parasite's life cycle .
Chapter 2: Nematoda (Roundworms)
6. A clinical sign that may suggest the presence of a filarial nematode infection is:
A) Diarrhea
B) Eosinophilia
C) Jaundice
D) Microcytic anemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Eosinophilia is a hallmark of tissue-invasive helminth infections, including filarial
nematodes (e.g., Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi), as eosinophils attack parasitic larvae .
7. The nematode infection that may become more severe through ingestion of infective eggs,
especially in infected infants, is:
