Stool examination of a child with rectal prolapse reveals barrel-shaped eggs with bipolar mucus plugs. Which helminth is implicated?
- A Trichuris trichiura ✓
- B Enterobius vermicularis
- C Ascaris lumbricoides
- D Ancylostoma duodenale
Correct answer: A. Trichuris trichiura
Explanation
Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) eggs are distinctly barrel-shaped with transparent bipolar plugs. Heavy infections cause Trichuris dysentery syndrome and rectal prolapse in children. Ascaris eggs are round/oval with a thick mamillated coat; Enterobius eggs are D-shaped and flattened on one side; hookworm eggs are thin-shelled with a segmented ovum.
Reference: Paniker's Textbook of Medical Parasitology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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