Question 1.
This faecal specimen was recovered from a three-year-old patient following a course of anthelmintic drugs to clear an infection of hookworms. Upon examination of the specimen, no sign of hookworm eggs were apparent, although there were large numbers of the parasite shown on the microscope provided.

1) Identify the parasite indicated (genus and species)

Dipylidium caninum
(2 marks)
2) What characteristics led you to your diagnosis ?

Tapeworm eggs enclosed by a membrane
(1 mark)
3) What stage of the parasite is shown on the microscope ?

Egg "package"
(1 mark)
4) Is this parasite a potential cause of illness ?

Yes, although normally mild
(1 mark)

Question 2.
This blood smear was recovered from a 54 year old man recently returned from visiting his family in Fiji. He visited his doctor, complaining of fever and cold chills, and of a painful lump in his groin. Upon examination, the doctor observed that his inguinal lymph nodes were swollen, and that he had a slight hydrocoele (fluid retention) in the scrotum)

1) Identify the parasite present (genus and species)

Wuchereria bancrofti
(2 marks)
2) List the features which helped you identify this parasite

Sheathed, nuclei do not proceed to tip of tail
(1 mark)
3) How is this parasite transmitted ?

By the bite of the arthropod vector (mosquito)
(1 mark)
4) Name the clinical condition which may result if the infection is allowed to continue unchecked

Elephantiasis
(1 mark)

Question 3.
This organism was found actively swimming in a sample of water taken from one of the ponds in the botanical gardens for use in an introductory microbiology course.

1) What stage is represented here ?

(Furco)cercaria
(1 mark)
2) What is the genus of this organism ?

? Schistosoma sp.
(1 mark)
3) Suggest a definitive host of this organism ?

Not likely to be a human schistosome as these are not considered to be endemic to Australia - ? water bird
(1 mark)
4) What is the name given to the infection in humans of this particular organism ?

Cercarial dermatitis
(1 mark)

5) Are humans capable of transmitting this infection to other humans ?

No
(1 mark)