Introduction to Topics

The question from the 69th BPSC Prelims (2023) focuses on Human Health and Diseases, specifically taeniasis and neurocysticercosis, which are part of the General Science syllabus in competitive exams like BPSC. These topics are crucial as they test knowledge of infectious diseases, their causative agents, and their medical implications, which are relevant to public health, especially in regions like Bihar where such infections may be prevalent due to socio-economic and environmental factors. Understanding the biological and clinical aspects of these conditions is essential for aspirants.

Question and Options

Question: Consider the following statements:

1. Taeniasis is an intestinal infection caused by three species of tapeworm: Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica.
2. When cysts develop in the brain, the condition is referred to as neurocysticercosis (NCC).

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) None of the above

Explanation

This question assesses candidates’ knowledge of parasitic infections caused by tapeworms, focusing on their causative agents and complications. Let’s break down each statement:

• Statement 1: Taeniasis is an intestinal infection caused by three species of tapeworm: Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica.
  • Analysis: Taeniasis is indeed an intestinal infection caused by adult tapeworms of the genus Taenia. The three species listed—Taenia solium (pork tapeworm), Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm), and Taenia asiatica (Asian tapeworm)—are the primary causes. Humans contract taeniasis by consuming undercooked or contaminated pork (T. solium, T. asiatica) or beef (T. saginata) containing tapeworm cysts (cysticerci). The adult tapeworm resides in the intestines, causing symptoms like abdominal pain or weight loss.
  • Conclusion: This statement is correct as it accurately identifies the three species responsible for taeniasis.
• Statement 2: When cysts develop in the brain, the condition is referred to as neurocysticercosis (NCC).
  • Analysis: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) occurs when cysts (cysticerci) of Taenia solium develop in the brain. This happens when humans ingest T. solium eggs (via contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene), leading to cysticercosis, where cysts form in various tissues. When these cysts affect the brain, it is called neurocysticercosis, which can cause seizures, headaches, or neurological issues. T. saginata and T. asiatica are less commonly associated with cysticercosis or NCC.
  • Conclusion: This statement is correct as it accurately describes neurocysticercosis as a condition caused by T. solium cysts in the brain.
• Option Analysis:
  • (A) Only 1: Incorrect, as both statements are correct.
  • (B) Only 2: Incorrect, as both statements are correct.
  • (C) Both 1 and 2: Correct, as both statements accurately describe taeniasis and neurocysticercosis.
  • (D) None of the above: Incorrect, as both statements are correct.
• Key Misconceptions:
  • Candidates might confuse taeniasis (adult tapeworm in intestines) with cysticercosis (cysts in tissues).
  • Some may think T. saginata or T. asiatica commonly cause neurocysticercosis, but T. solium is the primary culprit.
  • The question’s moderate difficulty lies in requiring precise knowledge of parasitic infections and their specific complications.

Correct Answer

Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

• Statement 1: Taeniasis is correctly identified as an intestinal infection caused by Taenia solium, Taenia saginata, and Taenia asiatica.
• Statement 2: Neurocysticercosis is accurately described as the condition when Taenia solium cysts develop in the brain.

5 Probable Questions of Similar Difficulty

1. Question: Which of the following statements about cysticercosis is/are correct?
   • 1. It is caused by the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs.
     2. It primarily affects the intestines.
   • Options: (A) Only 1, (B) Only 2, (C) Both 1 and 2, (D) None
   • Answer: (A) Only 1
   • Explanation: Cysticercosis occurs when T. solium eggs are ingested, leading to cysts in tissues like muscles or brain, not the intestines (taeniasis affects intestines).
2. Question: Consider the following statements about parasitic infections:
   • 1. Ascariasis is caused by the roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides.
     2. Schistosomiasis is caused by a protozoan parasite.
   • Options: (A) Only 1, (B) Only 2, (C) Both 1 and 2, (D) None
   • Answer: (A) Only 1
   • Explanation: Ascariasis is caused by Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), but schistosomiasis is caused by trematodes (flatworms), not protozoans.
3. Question: Which of the following statements is/are true about tapeworm infections?
   • 1. Taenia saginata is transmitted through undercooked beef.
     2. Neurocysticercosis is a common complication of Taenia saginata infection.
   • Options: (A) Only 1, (B) Only 2, (C) Both 1 and 2, (D) None
   • Answer: (A) Only 1
   • Explanation: T. saginata is transmitted via undercooked beef, but neurocysticercosis is primarily linked to T. solium, not T. saginata.
4. Question: Consider the following statements:
   • 1. Neurocysticercosis can lead to seizures due to cysts in the brain.
     2. Taenia asiatica is primarily transmitted through undercooked chicken.
   • Options: (A) Only 1, (B) Only 2, (C) Both 1 and 2, (D) None
   • Answer: (A) Only 1
   • Explanation: Neurocysticercosis causes seizures due to brain cysts, but T. asiatica is transmitted via undercooked pork or viscera, not chicken.
5. Question: Which of the following statements about parasitic diseases is/are correct?
   • 1. Filariasis is caused by nematodes transmitted by mosquitoes.
     2. Taeniasis can be prevented by proper cooking of meat.
   • Options: (A) Only 1, (B) Only 2, (C) Both 1 and 2, (D) None
   • Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
   • Explanation: Filariasis is caused by nematodes (e.g., Wuchereria bancrofti) via mosquito bites, and taeniasis is prevented by cooking pork or beef thoroughly.

Key Words Explained in Short

• Taeniasis: Intestinal infection caused by adult Taenia tapeworms (T. solium, T. saginata, T. asiatica) from eating undercooked contaminated meat.
• Neurocysticercosis (NCC): Condition where T. solium cysts form in the brain, causing seizures or neurological issues, contracted via egg ingestion.
• Taenia solium: Pork tapeworm; causes taeniasis (intestines) and cysticercosis (tissues/brain) if eggs are ingested.
• Taenia saginata: Beef tapeworm; causes taeniasis but rarely cysticercosis.
• Taenia asiatica: Asian tapeworm; causes taeniasis via pork or viscera, less associated with cysticercosis.
• Cysticercosis: Tissue infection from T. solium cysts, resulting from egg ingestion, not adult tapeworms.
• Tapeworm: Flatworm parasite (Taenia species) with a segmented body, infecting humans via contaminated food.
• Seizures: Neurological symptom of neurocysticercosis due to brain cysts disrupting normal brain activity.

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• Website: Access mock tests, previous year papers (e.g., 69th BPSC Prelims), and detailed science notes.

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Join the dedicated BPSC sections on platforms like Crack Target to enhance your preparation:

• Comprehensive Notes: Access detailed notes on General Science, covering diseases like taeniasis and public health issues relevant to Bihar.
• Mock Tests: Practice statement-based and matching-type questions, as seen in the 69th BPSC Prelims, to improve accuracy and manage time (150 questions in 2 hours with 1/3rd negative marking).
• Bihar-Specific Content: Learn about health challenges in Bihar, such as parasitic infections, which are relevant due to regional health concerns.
• Current Affairs Updates: Stay informed on public health topics, including disease prevention and control, crucial for Prelims and Mains.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from doubt-clearing sessions to understand complex topics like the distinction between taeniasis and cysticercosis.

By engaging with Crack Target’s resources, you can master health and disease-related topics, practice exam-relevant questions, and boost your performance in the competitive BPSC exam.