Commonest helminthic infection in AIDS is –
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the association between immunocompromised states, particularly AIDS, and the prevalence of specific helminthic infections. In immunocompromised individuals, certain helminths can cause more severe or disseminated disease due to impaired host immune response.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Strongyloidiasis is the most common helminthic infection in AIDS patients. This is because the impaired immune response in AIDS allows the larvae of *Strongyloides stercoralis* to autoinfect the host and cause a hyperinfection syndrome. This can lead to widespread dissemination and severe disease, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. The impaired immune response also makes it difficult for the host to control the infection, leading to a higher prevalence of strongyloidiasis in AIDS patients.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because while *Ascaris lumbricoides* is a common helminthic infection, it is not typically associated with severe disease in immunocompromised hosts.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because *Toxocara cati* is a zoonotic parasite that primarily affects cats and is not typically associated with AIDS.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because *Trichuris trichiura* is a common helminthic infection, but it is not typically associated with severe disease in immunocompromised hosts.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In immunocompromised patients, particularly those with AIDS, strongyloidiasis can cause a hyperinfection syndrome characterized by widespread dissemination and severe disease. This highlights the importance of screening for strongyloidiasis in patients with compromised immune systems.
**Correct Answer:** C. Strongyloidiasis is the most common helminthic infection in AIDS patients.