A patient returning from a tropical country presents with eosinophilia, urticaria, and passage of large white worms in stool. Stool microscopy shows oval eggs with a mammilated (bumpy) outer coat and fertilised appearance. The drug of choice is:

• A Metronidazole
• B Praziquantel
• C Ivermectin
• D Albendazole ✓

Explanation

The oval eggs with thick, bumpy (mammilated) outer coat are pathognomonic of Ascaris lumbricoides (fertilised eggs). Albendazole (400 mg single dose) or mebendazole are the drugs of choice for ascariasis. Praziquantel is used for cestode and trematode infections. Ivermectin is preferred for strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis. Metronidazole is used for protozoan infections and anaerobic bacteria, not Ascaris.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.