Filaria is transmitted by?

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

Culex mosquitoes, particularly Culex quinquefasciatus, are the principal vectors for transmitting lymphatic filariasis caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti.
This mosquito thrives in and around human habitations, breeding in stagnant, often polluted water sources like drains, septic tanks, and cesspools, making it a major public health concern in urban and semi-urban areas.
The transmission cycle involves the mosquito ingesting microfilariae from an infected person's blood and, after a developmental period, injecting infective larvae into a new human host during a subsequent blood meal.

Option A: Anopheles mosquitoes are globally recognized as the primary vectors for malaria.
Option C: Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting several major viral diseases, not filariasis.
Option D: Filariasis is a well-known vector-borne disease, meaning it is transmitted by an agent. Therefore, one of the listed vectors is correct.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vector-borne disease transmission as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses in community health play a key role in filariasis control by educating the public on vector control measures, such as eliminating stagnant water to prevent Culex breeding.
A core public health strategy is Mass Drug Administration (MDA), where nurses administer drugs like Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and Albendazole to entire at-risk populations to interrupt transmission.
Recognizing the clinical signs of lymphatic filariasis, such as lymphedema (elephantiasis) and hydrocele, is crucial for early diagnosis, management, and preventing disability.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the mode of transmission for 'Filaria'.
Recall the major vector-borne diseases and their specific transmitting agents (vectors).
Systematically evaluate each option. Associate 'Anopheles' primarily with malaria and 'Aedes' with viral diseases like dengue.
This process of elimination points towards 'Culex' as the likely answer for filariasis.
Confirm the association: Lymphatic filariasis, the most common form, is classically transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Select this as 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. 133-135

Practise the full NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.