Question

The pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, is the most common nematode parasite in developed countries because the life cycle of this parasite is relatively easy to complete, and reinfection and transmission between hosts readily occur. All of the following, except one, are attributes of the life cycle that help this parasite thrive. Select the exception.

a) Rapid completion of life cycle
b) Easy transmission between hosts
c) Complexity of life cycle
d) Reinfestation potential

Answer 1

The complexity of the life cycle is the attribute that does NOT help the pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, thrive. The pinworm's success is due to a rapid life cycle, easy host transmission, and high reinfestation potential. The correct option is c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, thrives as the most common nematode parasite in developed countries due to several attributes of its life cycle. However, the exception to these attributes that help this parasite proliferate is the complexity of life cycle (c). The factors that contribute to the success of pinworms include rapid completion of the life cycle, easy transmission between hosts, and a high reinfestation potential.

The complexity of a parasite's life cycle is generally considered a hindrance rather than a benefit for widespread transmission and sustainability within a host population because it can make the parasite more vulnerable to being interrupted or eradicated. Therefore, simplicity, rather than complexity, aids in the thriving of E. vermicularis in human populations. Hence, c is the correct option.