This faecal specimen was provided by a six year old female child with persistent abdominal discomfort and intermittent diarrhoea.

1) Identify the parasite indicated on the slide (genus and species)

Giardia intestinalis
(2 marks)
2) What is the infective stage of this parasite ?

Normally the cyst
(1 mark)
3) Give two media which may carry the infective stage to its host

Virtually anything faecally contaminated (eg. food and water)
(2 marks)

This specimen was recovered from a cervical smear performed on a 35 year old woman for a routine "Pap Smear" test. She reported some minor discomfort, but no discharge.

1) Identify the parasite presented (genus and species)

Trichomonas vaginalis
(2 marks)
2) Comment on the cyst stage of this parasite

There is none
(1 mark)
3) How is this parasite transmitted ?

Close physical contact (eg. sexual intercourse)
(1 mark)
4) What advice should be given to the patient with regard to treatment?

Ensure that sexual partner receives treatment as well
(1 mark)

This faecal specimen was obtained from a 50 year old man from Charleville, western Queensland. He reports vague abdominal discomfort and periodic bouts of nausea. The patient lives in a small caravan on the outskirts of the town which he shares with a group of dogs, and he has a reputation as being a "hobo". Health inspectors report the living conditions as "squalid", with rats and mice prevalent.

1) Identify the parasite presented (genus and species)

Hymenolepis nana
(2 marks)
2) What stage of the parasite is presented here ?

Egg
(1 mark)
3) Can this stage be infective to humans ?

Yes
(1 mark)
4) What is the significance (if any) of the dogs and rodents ?

Probably none from the dogs, although the rodents may play host to this parasite
(1 mark)