microbiology chapter 14 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 14 test bank related questions and content

A 45-year-old patient has foul-smelling diarrhea. Stool examination revealed large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus. What is the causative agent?

  • A. Balantidium coli
  • B. Entamoeba histolytica
  • C. Giardia lamblia
  • D. Trichomonas hominis
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balantidium coli. This large ciliated protozoa with a kidney-shaped macronucleus is characteristic of Balantidium coli, an intestinal parasite known to cause foul-smelling diarrhea in humans. Balantidium coli is the only option among the choices that fits this specific description. Entamoeba histolytica causes amoebic dysentery, Giardia lamblia causes giardiasis, and Trichomonas hominis is a non-pathogenic protozoa found in the intestinal tract. Therefore, based on the morphology described in the question, Balantidium coli is the correct causative agent.