Microbiology Question:
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A 44-year-old native Nigerian who has lived in the USA for 10 years returned to visit his family in Africa and now presents with a history of shaking chills, followed by high fever and then profuse sweating. He states that this is the most severe case of malaria he has ever had. His blood smear shows malaria organisms consistent with Plasmodium falciparum. Which of the following statements is false regarding P. falciparum?

Answer:

* A. His symptoms are more severe this time because he has lost some of the immunity that comes with frequent recurrences of malaria
* B. Taking appropriate prophylactic medication has an 80-90% chance of preventing P. falciparum malaria
* C. P. falciparum causes organ damage in the brain, lungs, and kidneys because of adhesion of infected red cells to the endothelium of the capillaries which impairs the microcirculation to these organs
* D. P. falciparum gametocytes are ameboid shaped
* E. Plasmodium falciparum has the highest mortality rate of the four malaria species

Correct Answer: D

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Each of the following is true regarding Pneumocystis carinii. Which statement is false?This July a group of 30 volunteers went to Kenya to help build a school and all of them took prophylaxis to prevent malaria. They claim that they took the medication as prescribed 2 weeks before, during their stay, and for 4 weeks after returning home. In October, one person developed malaria and by April of this year, 9 of the 30 volunteers had been treated for malaria. Which of the following is the least likely explanation for this apparent failure of prevention?