Microbiology Interview Question:

A physician calls from an outlying hospital to report that his patient has passed a large, white, round worm with pointed ends that is about 8 inches long. He is concerned this could be Echinococcus but the only parasite that matches this description is Ascaris lumbricoides. Which of the following is false regarding Ascaris lumbricoides?

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* A. Most infected humans are asymptomatic
* B. Large numbers of larvae passing through the lung can cause asthma type symptoms
* C. Large numbers of adult worms in the gut can cause obstruction
* D. The fertilized unembryonated egg passed in the stool requires a period of time to embryonate before it becomes infectious
* E. Heavy infection has been associated with rectal prolapse

Correct Answer: E
Submitted by: Administrator