Soil Transmitted Helminths (STHs) is a group of parasitic diseases caused by all, except:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Guineaworm (Dracunculus medinensis) is the correct answer because it is the exception in the group.
Its transmission is water-borne, occurring when a person drinks water contaminated with copepods (water fleas) that have ingested Guineaworm larvae.
Unlike the other options, its life cycle does not depend on transmission through contaminated soil, which is the defining characteristic of an STH.

Option B: This is incorrect because Intestinal Roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) is one of the most common Soil-Transmitted Helminths.
Option C: This is incorrect because Hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) is a primary example of a Soil-Transmitted Helminth.
Option D: This is incorrect because Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) is a classic Soil-Transmitted Helminth.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of parasitic diseases based on their mode of transmission, specifically differentiating Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) from other parasites as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding transmission routes is critical for nurses in providing patient and community education on prevention.
For STHs, prevention focuses on sanitation (safe disposal of feces), hygiene (handwashing), and avoiding walking barefoot in contaminated areas.
For Guineaworm disease, prevention focuses on ensuring access to safe drinking water and filtering potentially contaminated water sources.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'except'. This signals that you must find the option that does not fit the category described in the stem.
Next, define the category: 'Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs)'. This means parasites whose life cycle involves transmission through soil.
Systematically evaluate each option against this definition.
Recall or deduce the transmission route for each worm: Roundworm (soil), Hookworm (soil), and Whipworm (soil) all fit the category.
Identify that Guineaworm is transmitted through contaminated water, not soil.
Conclude that Guineaworm is the exception and therefore the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of parasitic diseases based on their mode of transmission, specifically differentiating Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) from other parasites.
Stem keywords: Soil Transmitted Helminths, STHs, parasitic diseases
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: This is a negatively framed question asking for the exception.

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 98-100

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1777-1779

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.