Filariasis is the common term for a group of diseases caused by?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with roundworms (nematodes) of the Filarioidea type.
The most common form, lymphatic filariasis, is caused by the worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Adult worms live in the human lymphatic system, leading to severe swelling (lymphedema or elephantiasis), pain, and disability.

Option A: Viruses are distinct infectious agents that cause diseases like dengue fever or influenza. Filariasis is a parasitic, not a viral, infection.
Option B: While filarial worms often contain symbiotic bacteria called Wolbachia (which are a target for treatment), the primary cause of the disease is the nematode parasite itself, not bacteria.
Option D: Fungi cause mycotic infections like ringworm or aspergillosis. Patients with lymphedema from filariasis are prone to secondary fungal skin infections, but fungi are not the initial cause of the disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of Filariasis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a key role in Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs, which are crucial for eliminating lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas like India.
Patient education is vital for morbidity management, including teaching meticulous skin hygiene to prevent secondary infections in lymphedematous limbs.
What if? If a patient from an endemic area presents with fever, chills, and a painful, swollen limb, the nurse should consider acute adenolymphangitis (ADL) as a manifestation of filariasis and not just simple cellulitis, prompting specific diagnostic investigation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the causative agent of 'Filariasis'.
This is a direct recall question based on knowledge of microbiology and communicable diseases.
Systematically evaluate each option.
Recall that 'filaria' refers to a type of parasitic worm. This points directly to a parasitic cause.
Eliminate 'Virus,' 'Bacteria,' and 'Fungi' as they represent different classes of microorganisms.
Confirm that 'nematodes' are a type of parasitic roundworm, making 'Parasitic nematodes' the correct classification for the cause of filariasis.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1860-1862

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 132-134

Practise the full MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

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