Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: The bottle jaw condition is seen in fasciolosis
Reason R: Hypokalemia leads to fluid accumulation
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

Bottle jaw (submandibular edema) is caused by hypoalbuminemia (loss of plasma oncotic pressure), commonly seen in liver fluke infections (Fasciola) and haemonchosis (Haemonchus contortus).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
"Bottle jaw" (submandibular edema) is a classical clinical sign of severe internal parasitism or hypoproteinemia in ruminants.
Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease caused by liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica) that damages the liver parenchyma and bile ducts.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
- Assertion A: In chronic fasciolosis, adult flukes feed on blood in the bile ducts, causing chronic blood loss, anemia, and liver damage. The liver's capacity to synthesize proteins, particularly albumin, is compromised. This leads to profound hypoalbuminemia. Consequently, submandibular edema (bottle jaw) develops as fluid accumulates in the intermandibular space. Thus, Assertion A is true.
- Reason R: Edema in chronic fasciolosis is caused by hypoalbuminemia, not hypokalemia. Albumin is the primary protein responsible for maintaining intravascular oncotic pressure. When serum albumin levels drop below a critical threshold, oncotic pressure decreases, allowing fluid to escape from capillaries into the interstitial space. This leads to gravity-dependent edema in the submandibular and ventral abdominal regions. Hypokalemia (low blood potassium) affects neuromuscular function and cardiac conduction but does not cause localized interstitial fluid accumulation or bottle jaw. Thus, Reason R is false.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Assertion A is true but Reason R is false, which corresponds to Option (C).