microbiology chapter 12 test bank Related

Review microbiology chapter 12 test bank related questions and content

A fecal smear from a patient with chronic diarrhea revealed cysts with four nuclei. What is the causative agent?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Entamoeba histolytica. The presence of cysts with four nuclei is characteristic of Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite causing amoebic dysentery. It forms cysts with four nuclei before maturing into trophozoites. Balantidium coli (B) is a ciliated protozoan causing balantidiasis, not known for four-nuclei cysts. Giardia lamblia (C) forms cysts with two nuclei, causing giardiasis. Trichomonas hominis (D) is a non-pathogenic flagellate found in the human colon, not associated with four-nuclei cysts.