Ectoparasites Practice Questions
20 free Ectoparasites practice questions for the Microbiology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
What are ectoparasites?
- A Parasites that live inside the host's organs
- B Bacteria causing disease
- C Viruses infecting cells
- D Parasites living on the surface of the host
Correct answer: Parasites living on the surface of the host
Ectoparasites live on the external surface of the host, such as skin or hair. They feed on blood or skin tissues.
Which of the following is an example of an ectoparasite?
- A Plasmodium vivax
- B Ascaris lumbricoides
- C Pediculus humanus
- D Entamoeba histolytica
Correct answer: Pediculus humanus
Pediculus humanus (the human louse) is an ectoparasite that lives on human hair and skin, feeding on blood and causing itching and irritation.
Which ectoparasite is responsible for scabies?
- A Tick
- B Flea
- C Louse
- D Mite
Correct answer: Mite
Scabies is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It burrows into the skin, causing intense itching and rash.
Which ectoparasite is known to transmit Lyme disease?
- A Flea
- B Louse
- C Tick
- D Mite
Correct answer: Tick
Ticks, particularly Ixodes species, transmit Lyme disease. They act as vectors for Borrelia bacteria.
Which ectoparasite commonly infests the scalp?
- A Chigger mite
- B Deer tick
- C Head louse
- D Dust mite
Correct answer: Head louse
Head lice infest the scalp and feed on blood. They spread through close contact and sharing personal items.
What is pediculosis?
- A Infestation with lice
- B Fungal skin infection
- C Viral infection
- D Bacterial infection
Correct answer: Infestation with lice
Pediculosis refers to infestation by lice. It commonly affects the scalp, body, or pubic hair.
Which ectoparasite is associated with plague transmission?
- A Flea
- B Tick
- C Louse
- D Mite
Correct answer: Flea
Fleas, particularly Xenopsylla cheopis, transmit Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. They act as vectors between rodents and humans.
Which symptom is commonly caused by ectoparasite infestation?
- A Skin itching
- B Mild fever
- C Hair thinning
- D Joint pain
Correct answer: Skin itching
Ectoparasite infestations commonly cause itching due to bites or burrowing into the skin. This may lead to secondary infections.
Which of the following is an ectoparasite that can cause allergic reactions in humans?
- A Bacteria
- B Ticks and fleas
- C Viruses
- D Protozoan parasites
Correct answer: Ticks and fleas
Ticks and fleas can trigger allergic reactions through their bites. Salivary proteins may cause itching and inflammation.
Which ectoparasite is known to cause trench fever?
- A Cat flea
- B Deer tick
- C Body louse
- D Scabies mite
Correct answer: Body louse
The body louse transmits Bartonella quintana, causing trench fever. It spreads in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
What is the main mode of transmission of lice?
- A Fecal-oral route
- B Direct contact
- C Waterborne
- D Vector-borne
Correct answer: Direct contact
Lice spread mainly through direct contact or sharing personal items like combs. They cannot jump or fly.
Which of the following organisms is visible to the naked eye?
- A Virus
- B Bacteria
- C Louse
- D Protozoa
Correct answer: Louse
Lice are large enough to be seen without a microscope. They are visible on hair shafts or clothing.
Which ectoparasite burrows into the skin?
- A Flea
- B Tick
- C Mite
- D Louse
Correct answer: Mite
Mites such as Sarcoptes scabiei burrow into the skin to lay eggs. This causes scabies and intense itching.
Which preventive measure helps control ectoparasites?
- A Avoid direct sunlight
- B Maintain personal hygiene
- C Increase dietary sugar intake
- D Use oral antibiotics
Correct answer: Maintain personal hygiene
Maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness helps prevent ectoparasite infestations. Washing clothes and bedding is also important.
Which ectoparasite attaches firmly to the skin and feeds on blood?
- A Flea
- B Tick
- C Louse
- D Mite
Correct answer: Tick
Ticks attach firmly to the skin using mouthparts and feed on blood. They can remain attached for several days.
Which ectoparasite can jump long distances?
- A Tick
- B Flea
- C Louse
- D Mite
Correct answer: Flea
Fleas are known for their ability to jump long distances relative to their body size. This helps them move between hosts.
Which ectoparasite typically causes itching in the groin region?
- A Head louse
- B Body louse
- C Pubic louse
- D Scabies mite
Correct answer: Pubic louse
Pubic lice infest the hair in the pubic region. They cause itching and irritation due to feeding.
Which disease is transmitted by ticks besides Lyme disease?
- A Venezuelan equine encephalitis
- B Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- C Visceral leishmaniasis
- D African trypanosomiasis
Correct answer: Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever caused by Rickettsia rickettsii. It is a serious vector-borne disease.
Which treatment is commonly used for scabies?
- A Antibiotics
- B Antivirals
- C Oral corticosteroids
- D Permethrin cream
Correct answer: Permethrin cream
Permethrin cream is commonly used to treat scabies. It kills mites and their eggs when applied to the skin.
Which ectoparasite commonly hides in furniture and feeds on blood at night?
- A Tick
- B Body louse
- C Flea
- D Bed bug
Correct answer: Bed bug
Bed bugs live in mattresses and furniture and feed on human blood at night. They cause itchy bites and skin irritation.