BRETEAU INDEX is generally used to assess the density of vector of

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

The Breteau Index (BI) is a primary tool used to measure the population density of Aedes mosquito larvae.
Aedes aegypti is the principal vector for Dengue fever.
The index is defined as the number of positive containers (with larvae) per 100 houses inspected.
It is considered a highly sensitive indicator for assessing Dengue transmission risk and is widely used in public health surveillance to guide vector control activities.

Option A: While Yellow fever is also transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the Breteau Index is most classically and extensively used in surveillance programs specifically targeting Dengue vector control.
Option C: Similar to Yellow fever, Chikungunya is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. However, the Breteau Index is the standard surveillance tool most associated with Dengue risk assessment.
Option D: Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) is transmitted by a completely different vector: the sandfly (Phlebotomus argentipes).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Entomological indices for vector-borne disease surveillance as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Community health nurses use the Breteau Index to assess the risk of Dengue outbreaks and to plan and evaluate vector control interventions, such as source reduction campaigns and health education.
An index value greater than 5 often serves as a critical threshold for initiating intensified control measures in a community to prevent an epidemic.
Understanding these indices helps nurses educate the community about the importance of eliminating stagnant water sources (e.g., in coolers, tires, flower pots) to reduce mosquito breeding.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem, which is 'BRETEAU INDEX'.
Recognize this as a specific technical term from public health and community medicine related to vector surveillance.
Recall or deduce the vector associated with this index, which is the Aedes mosquito.
From the options, identify the diseases transmitted by the Aedes mosquito (Dengue, Yellow fever, Chikungunya).
Eliminate Kala-azar, as it is transmitted by sandflies, not mosquitoes.
Among the remaining options, recall that while the vector transmits several diseases, the Breteau Index is most strongly and primarily associated with Dengue control programs worldwide. This makes Dengue the best answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 145-147

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