Kala Azar fever spreads by the bite of which insect?

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

Explanation

Kala-azar, or Visceral Leishmaniasis, is transmitted by the bite of an infected female sand fly.
The specific vector in India is the Phlebotomus argentipes species of sand fly.
Sand flies are small, hairy insects that are most active during the night.
The causative agent is a protozoan parasite called Leishmania donovani.

Option A: Dragonflies are beneficial insects that prey on other insects like mosquitoes. They do not bite humans or transmit diseases.
Option B: The Tsetse fly is the vector for African Trypanosomiasis, also known as 'sleeping sickness', which is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Option D: This option is incorrect because only the Sand Fly transmits Kala-azar. The other listed insects are not vectors for this specific disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vector-borne transmission of Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Identifying the correct vector is crucial for public health officials to implement targeted control measures and prevent outbreaks.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients and communities about personal protective measures against insect bites, such as using insecticide-treated nets and wearing appropriate clothing.
What if? If a patient presented with fever and splenomegaly after traveling to sub-Saharan Africa instead of an endemic area in India, the differential diagnosis would broaden to include African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), transmitted by the Tsetse fly, in addition to malaria and leishmaniasis.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Kala Azar'.
Second, recall or look up the mode of transmission for this specific disease.
Third, evaluate each option to determine which insect is the known vector for Kala-azar.
Option A (Dragon Fly) is a predator, not a vector. Option B (Tsetse Fly) transmits sleeping sickness. Option C (Sand Fly) is the correct vector.
Finally, eliminate the incorrect options and confirm that 'Sand Fly' is the scientifically accurate answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Vector-borne transmission of Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis).
Stem keywords: Kala Azar, fever, spreads, bite, insect
Lead-in keywords: which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 92-94

E6 Microbiology OneStop Sastry p. 74-76

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.