Q1. Which protozoan parasite causes malaria?
a) Plasmodium vivax
b) Trypanosoma cruzi
c) Giardia lamblia
d) Entamoeba histolytica
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Correct Answer: a) Plasmodium vivax
Explanation: Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasites, with P. vivax being one of the species responsible for human malaria. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasite primarily affects the red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, headache, and fatigue. If not promptly treated, malaria can become severe and even fatal.
Q2. What is the primary organ affected by Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease?
a) Liver
b) Heart
c) Lungs
d) Kidneys
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Correct Answer: b) Heart
Explanation: Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease, primarily affects the heart muscle. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected triatomine bugs, also known as “kissing bugs.” Chagas disease can lead to serious cardiac complications, including arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Additionally, it can affect the digestive system, causing complications such as megaesophagus and megacolon.
Q3. Which protozoan parasite is responsible for causing amoebic dysentery?
a) Plasmodium falciparum
b) Giardia lamblia
c) Entamoeba histolytica
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: c) Entamoeba histolytica
Explanation: Amoebic dysentery, a type of diarrheal illness characterized by bloody stools, is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This parasite primarily affects the intestines, causing inflammation and tissue destruction. It is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea with blood or mucus, and fever.
Q4. Which protozoan parasite is associated with sleeping sickness?
a) Trypanosoma brucei
b) Leishmania donovani
c) Plasmodium malariae
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: a) Trypanosoma brucei
Explanation: Sleeping sickness, also known as African trypanosomiasis, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies. The parasite affects the central nervous system, leading to neurological symptoms such as sleep disturbances, confusion, and difficulty in walking and talking. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Q5. Which protozoan parasite causes leishmaniasis?
a) Trypanosoma cruzi
b) Plasmodium vivax
c) Leishmania donovani
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: c) Leishmania donovani
Explanation: Leishmaniasis is caused by various species of the Leishmania parasite, with Leishmania donovani being one of the major causes of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar). It affects the internal organs, particularly the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sandflies. Symptoms may include fever, weight loss, enlarged spleen and liver, and anemia.
Q6. Which protozoan parasite is responsible for causing toxoplasmosis?
a) Giardia lamblia
b) Trypanosoma cruzi
c) Plasmodium falciparum
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: d) Toxoplasma gondii
Explanation: Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It can infect various warm-blooded animals, including humans. Transmission to humans commonly occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through exposure to infected cat feces. While many individuals may not experience symptoms, toxoplasmosis can cause flu-like symptoms, lymphadenopathy, and in severe cases, it can lead to complications such as encephalitis or ocular disease.
Q7. Which protozoan parasite is responsible for causing African sleeping sickness?
a) Plasmodium vivax
b) Trypanosoma brucei
c) Leishmania donovani
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: b) Trypanosoma brucei
Explanation: African sleeping sickness, or African trypanosomiasis, is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies. The parasite affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as disrupted sleep patterns, confusion, and neurological disturbances. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Q8. Which protozoan parasite is associated with causing giardiasis?
a) Giardia lamblia
b) Trypanosoma cruzi
c) Plasmodium falciparum
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: a) Giardia lamblia
Explanation: Giardiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia (also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis). It commonly infects the small intestine of humans and other mammals. Transmission occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water containing cysts of the parasite. Symptoms of giardiasis may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and nausea.
Q9. Which protozoan parasite is responsible for causing cryptosporidiosis?
a) Plasmodium vivax
b) Cryptosporidium parvum
c) Entamoeba histolytica
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: b) Cryptosporidium parvum
Explanation: Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium, with Cryptosporidium parvum being one of the species responsible for human infections. It primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Transmission commonly occurs through ingestion of contaminated water or food, or through contact with infected individuals or animals.
Q10. Which protozoan parasite is associated with causing trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection?
a) Trichomonas vaginalis
b) Trypanosoma cruzi
c) Plasmodium falciparum
d) Toxoplasma gondii
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Correct Answer: a) Trichomonas vaginalis
Explanation: Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) commonly affecting the genital tract in both men and women. Transmission occurs through sexual contact with an infected individual. Symptoms of trichomoniasis may include vaginal discharge, genital itching, discomfort during urination or intercourse, and in men, urethral discharge or irritation.