Question:

Which of the following helminths utilize cyclops as an intermediate host?
(A) Diphyllobothrium latum
(B) Gnathostoma spinigerum
(C) Dracunculus medinensis
(D) Dipylidium caninum
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Remember the classic "water-borne triad" of parasites that utilize Cyclops: Diphyllobothrium (cestode), Gnathostoma (nematode), and Dracunculus (nematode).
  • (A), (B) and (C) only.
  • (A), (B) and (D) only.
  • (A), (C) and (D) only.
  • (B), (C) and (D) only.
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Copepods of the genus Cyclops are tiny freshwater crustaceans that serve as essential intermediate hosts for several parasitic helminths.
These parasites require a water-based life cycle to complete their larval development inside the crustacean.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the intermediate host requirements for each helminth:
- Diphyllobothrium latum (A): The broad fish tapeworm requires two intermediate hosts. The first intermediate host is a freshwater copepod, typically Cyclops or Diaptomus, which ingests the free-swimming coracidium larva. This larva then develops into a procercoid.
- Gnathostoma spinigerum (B): This nematode also uses a freshwater copepod (Cyclops species) as its first intermediate host, where the ingested L1 larva develops into an early third-stage larva (L3).
- Dracunculus medinensis (C): The guinea worm utilizes Cyclops as its sole intermediate host. Humans and animals become infected by drinking water containing infected Cyclops.
- Dipylidium caninum (D): The double-pored dog tapeworm utilizes fleas (Ctenocephalides canis or C. felis) or biting lice (Trichodectes canis) as its intermediate host, where the oncosphere develops into a cysticercoid. It has a completely terrestrial life cycle and does not utilize Cyclops.
Thus, (A), (B), and (C) require Cyclops as an intermediate host.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct combination is (A), (B), and (C) only, corresponding to option (A).
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