Gloria is diagnosed with a parasitic helminth after eating contaminated beef. Which of the following organisms is likely causing the infection?

• A. Anisakis simplex.
• B. Taenia solium.
• C. Trichinella spiralis.
• D. Taenia saginata.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the infection. Gloria ate contaminated beef and was diagnosed with a parasitic helminth infection. This means the parasite is likely transmitted through beef consumption.
2. Step 2: Identify the parasites listed and their common sources. Anisakis simplex is typically associated with raw or undercooked fish, not beef. Taenia solium is linked to pork, not beef. Trichinella spiralis is also commonly associated with pork and wild game, not beef.
3. Step 3: Recognize that Taenia saginata, also known as the beef tapeworm, is the parasite commonly transmitted through eating undercooked or contaminated beef. This makes it the most likely cause of Gloria's infection.
4. Step 4: Confirm that the lifecycle and transmission route of Taenia saginata align with the scenario: ingestion of cysticerci in undercooked beef leads to adult tapeworm infection in humans.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, Taenia saginata is the correct organism causing the infection after eating contaminated beef.