Question

Which one is monogenetic parasite?

• A. Plasmodium
• B. Fasciola hepatica
• C. Taenia solium
• D. Entamoeba histolytica

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Entamoeba histolytica

Plasmodium is a protozoan parasite and its life cycle is digenetic, as it completed in two hosts (human & mosquito). Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) female lays eggs in the liver of an infected human. Immature eggs are discharged in the biliary ducts and taken out in the feces. It develops larvae called miracidia outside the host. Thus, it is also digenetic. Taenia solium is a tapeworm that causes taeniasis. Eggs (gravid proglottids) produced in humans are passed with feces and which are then ingested by cattle. In cattle, they hatch and develop into cysticerci which are ingested by a human when they eat raw or uncooked infected meat. Thus, it is also digenetic. Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite responsible for a disease called amoebiasis. It occurs usually in the large intestine of humans. Its life cycle is monogenetic as it does not require any intermediate host.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.