Identify the correct option from the following:

Disease Pathogen

A. Dengue fever 1. Aedes aegypti

B. Sand fly 2. Phlebotomus

C. Malaria 3. Leishmania donovani

D. Kala-azar 4. Female anopheles

Appeared in: NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Explanation

Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, making A-1 a correct pair.
Phlebotomus is the genus name for the Sand fly, making B-2 a correct pair.
Malaria is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, making C-4 a correct pair.
Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) is caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani, making D-3 a correct pair.
Combining these correct pairs gives the sequence A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3.

Option A: This option incorrectly matches Dengue fever with Leishmania donovani (A-3) and Kala-azar with Aedes aegypti (D-1). Dengue is viral and spread by mosquitoes, while Kala-azar is parasitic and spread by sand flies.
Option B: This option incorrectly pairs Dengue fever with Phlebotomus (A-2), Sand fly with Aedes aegypti (B-1), and Kala-azar with Phlebotomus (D-2). Dengue's vector is Aedes, and while Phlebotomus is a sand fly, the specific pairing for Kala-azar is with its causative agent, Leishmania donovani.
Option C: This option incorrectly matches Dengue fever with Female anopheles (A-4), Sand fly with Aedes aegypti (B-1), and Malaria with Leishmania donovani (C-3). Anopheles transmits malaria, not dengue. Aedes transmits dengue, and Leishmania causes Kala-azar.

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.
A nurse's role in community health includes educating the public on preventing vector-borne diseases. This involves teaching about source reduction (e.g., eliminating stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding), using personal protective measures like mosquito nets and repellents, and recognizing early symptoms for prompt treatment.
Understanding the specific vector for each disease is critical for implementing targeted public health interventions. For example, fogging and larvicidal activities are planned based on the breeding habits of Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes.
What if? If a patient from a region endemic for Kala-azar presents with prolonged fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly, the nurse should have a high index of suspicion for visceral leishmaniasis, even if malaria tests are negative, and ensure this possibility is communicated to the physician.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the two columns to identify the items that need to be matched. Here, you have diseases/vectors in one column and vectors/causative agents in the other.
Start by matching the pairs you are most confident about. For example, most people know that Malaria is transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito (C-4).
Next, match Dengue fever. It is widely known to be transmitted by the Aedes mosquito (A-1).
With two pairs (A-1 and C-4) identified, look at the options. Only one option, D, starts with A-1 and has C-4.
Confirm the remaining pairs. Kala-azar is caused by Leishmania donovani (D-3), and Phlebotomus is the scientific name for the Sand fly (B-2). This confirms that option D is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Vector-Borne Disease Transmission
Stem keywords: Dengue fever, Sand fly, Malaria, Kala-azar, Aedes aegypti, Phlebotomus, Leishmania donovani, Female anopheles
Lead-in keywords: Identify the correct option
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 2-4

Practise the full NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

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