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Question

Which parasite is responsible for causing gigantism in its intermediate host?

A
Plasmodium vivax
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B
Ascaris lumbricoides
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C
Sacculina
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D
Fasciola hepatica
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Solution

The correct option is D Fasciola hepatica
Fasciola hepatica causes gigantism in snails. Gigantism is the exponential growth of an organism. Snails are the intermediate host of Fasciola. It is been observed that the infected snails are larger than non-infected snails. Three explanations have been put forward to explain gigantism. First, gigantism may be due to a manipulation by the parasite. With an increased survival of its host, the parasite benefits for a longer reproductive period and from a larger amount of host tissue to exploit. Second, it could be a host adaptation. Last, gigantism could simply be a side effect of infection. So, the correct answer is 'Fasciola hepatica'.

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