Structure and life history of protozoa – Entamoeba, Plasmodium species, Trypanosoma, Leishmania - Question Bank
1. Which of the following is a key diagnostic feature for identifying Entamoeba histolytica in stool samples?
2. The 'erythrocytic schizont' of Plasmodium contains approximately how many merozoites?
3. Which protozoan is known for its polymorphic forms and complex life cycle involving different stages in the blood and within insect vectors?
4. The 'Shizont' stage of Plasmodium, containing multiple merozoites, develops within which cell type in humans?
5. The 'cyst wall' of Entamoeba histolytica is primarily composed of:
6. Which stage of Plasmodium is taken up by the Anopheles mosquito when it feeds on an infected human?
7. The 'circumventricular organs' of the brain are targeted by certain Trypanosoma species, leading to neurological symptoms. Which species is most associated with this?
8. The 'African trypanosomiasis' is also known as:
9. Which protozoan genus is characterized by the absence of flagella or cilia in its adult form and reproduces asexually via binary fission?
10. What is the characteristic periodicity of fever in quartan malaria, caused by Plasmodium malariae?
11. The 'cutaneous leishmaniasis' (e.g., Oriental sore) is primarily caused by Leishmania species that infect which tissue?
12. In the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite undergoes development in both the tsetse fly and the mammalian host. Which form multiplies by binary fission in the insect's gut?
13. The most common and infective stage of Entamoeba histolytica found in formed stools is the:
14. The 'benign tertian malaria' is caused by which Plasmodium species, characterized by fever every third day?
15. Which Plasmodium species has a shorter incubation period and is often associated with high parasitemia and severe complications?
16. The 'epimastigote' form of Trypanosoma, with flagellum attached along the body by an undulating membrane, is found in the:
17. Entamoeba gingivalis is a protozoan commonly found in the human mouth. Unlike Entamoeba histolytica, it:
18. Which stage of Plasmodium is responsible for the production of merozoites in the liver during the exo-erythrocytic cycle?
19. The 'visceral form' of leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) is characterized by the widespread presence of amastigotes in which organs?
20. The ' Romana's sign', characterized by unilateral periorbital edema, is associated with acute Chagas disease caused by:
21. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite found in intestinal lesions?
22. In the life cycle of Plasmodium, the formation of sporozoites occurs within the:
23. The 'chironomid' or 'black fly' is the vector for which species of Trypanosoma that causes disease in animals (e.g., nagana)?
24. The kinetoplast is a dense granule of mitochondrial DNA found in which protozoan genera?
25. Which stage of Entamoeba histolytica is found in diarrheal stools and is responsible for the spread of infection?
26. The pre-erythrocytic schizogony of Plasmodium occurs in which organ?
27. The amastigote form of Leishmania is oval-shaped and lacks an external flagellum. It is the form that multiplies within:
28. The 'salivarian' transmission mode, where the parasite is injected into the host during feeding, is characteristic of which genus?
29. Which stage of Plasmodium develops into gametocytes (male and female)?
30. Entamoeba coli is a commensal protozoan that resides in the human intestine. How does it differ morphologically from Entamoeba histolytica?
31. The sexual reproduction phase of Plasmodium occurs in the:
32. The vector for Leishmania species is a:
33. The long, slender, and motile form of Trypanosoma found in the blood of the mammalian host is called:
34. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites?
35. During the erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium, what is the stage that invades red blood cells?
36. The 'promastigote' form of Leishmania is characterized by a flagellum originating from the anterior end. Where does this form typically develop?
37. What is the primary reservoir for Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the cause of West African sleeping sickness?
38. The 'undulating membrane' is a characteristic structure found in which protozoan genus?
39. Which species of Plasmodium is responsible for the most severe and potentially fatal form of malaria?
40. The quadrinucleated cyst of Entamoeba histolytica is the infective stage for humans. What happens upon ingestion?
41. Which form of Leishmania is found within the macrophages of the host and the sandfly vector?
42. Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, is transmitted by which type of insect vector?
43. What is the primary mode of transmission for Entamoeba histolytica?
44. The relapse of malaria, especially in cases of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infections, is caused by the reactivation of which dormant stage in the liver?
45. Which stage of Plasmodium is responsible for the characteristic chills and fever in malaria patients due to rupture of infected erythrocytes?
46. In the life cycle of Entamoeba histolytica, which stage is typically found in the lumen of the large intestine and is responsible for excystation?
47. Leishmania donovani is the causative agent of which disease?
48. Which vector is responsible for transmitting Trypanosoma species that cause African sleeping sickness?
49. What is the infective stage of Plasmodium species that is transmitted to humans by mosquito bite?
50. Which protozoan parasite causes amoebic dysentery in humans?