infective stage of Ascaris lumbricodes:
- A- Larva
- B- Cercaria
- C- Egg
- D- Cyst
- E- Metacercaria.
The infective stage of Ascaris lumbricoides is: C- Egg
Here's why:
A. Larva:
While larvae are present in the lifecycle of Ascaris lumbricoides, they are not the infective stage. They develop within the egg after it is ingested and hatch in the small intestine.
B. Cercaria:
This term refers to a specific larval stage of flatworms, not roundworms like Ascaris lumbricoides.
C. Egg:
This is the correct answer. The eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides are passed in the feces of infected individuals. When ingested by another person, the eggs hatch in the small intestine, releasing larvae that mature into adult worms in the intestines.
D. Cyst:
This term typically refers to a resting stage of some parasites, but it is not used for Ascaris lumbricoides.
E. Metacercaria:
This term refers to a specific larval stage of certain trematodes (flatworms), not roundworms like Ascaris lumbricoides.
Therefore, the infective stage of Ascaris lumbricoides is the egg.
