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Diphyllobothriasis — DTM&H MCQ

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ModerateHelminthic infectionsDiphyllobothriasisDTM&H

A 37-year-old woman from a lakeside village has fatigue and macrocytosis after years of eating raw freshwater fish. Stool contains broad operculated eggs. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Diphyllobothrium latum infection

Diphyllobothrium latum infection is the single best answer because fish tapeworm can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and produces operculated eggs. Clonorchis sinensis infection is plausible in a related presentation, but it is less appropriate because it does not fit the key discriminator in this vignette. The teaching point is that dietary freshwater fish exposure helps separate it from beef or pork tapeworm infection.

Reference: Manson's Tropical Diseases; WHO neglected tropical diseases guidance; CDC DPDx