Which of the following food borne diseases is caused by protozoa?

Appeared in: BSF Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Amoebiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.
The primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route, through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the parasite's cysts.
This fits both criteria of the question: it is a food-borne disease and it is caused by a protozoan.

Option B: Dysentery is a clinical syndrome (bloody diarrhea), not a specific disease entity. While it can be caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica (amoebic dysentery), it is more commonly caused by bacteria like Shigella (bacillary dysentery). Therefore, it is not exclusively a protozoal disease.
Option C: Constipation is a symptom or a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It is not an infectious disease and is not caused by any pathogen, including protozoa.
Option D: Scabies is a skin infestation caused by an ectoparasite, the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It is not caused by a protozoan and is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact, not through food.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agents of food-borne diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education to prevent food-borne illnesses. Key teaching points include proper handwashing, safe food handling, and consuming purified or boiled water.
When caring for a patient with suspected amoebiasis, collecting a stool sample for ova and parasite examination is a key nursing responsibility for diagnosis.
Assessing for and managing dehydration is a priority in patients with amoebic dysentery, as fluid and electrolyte loss can be significant.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'food borne disease' and 'caused by protozoa'.
Second, evaluate each option against these two criteria.
Option A, Amoebiasis: Is it food-borne? Yes. Is it caused by a protozoan? Yes. This is a strong candidate.
Option B, Dysentery: Is it food-borne? Yes. Is it caused by a protozoan? Sometimes, but also by bacteria. This makes it less specific than Amoebiasis.
Option C, Constipation: Is it food-borne? No. Is it caused by a protozoan? No. This is incorrect.
Option D, Scabies: Is it food-borne? No. Is it caused by a protozoan? No. This is incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 309-311

E6 Microbiology Applied AnjuDhir 3e Part 2 p. 6-8

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 2 p. 16-18

Practise the full BSF Staff Nurse - 2015

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