Malaria transmission is occurred by?

Appeared in: BHU NO - 2015

Explanation

Malaria is a protozoal disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
It is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
A living organism, such as a mosquito, that transmits an infectious agent from an infected animal or person to another is known as a vector.
The malaria parasite undergoes a developmental cycle (cyclo-propagative transmission) within the mosquito, making the mosquito a biological vector, not just a mechanical carrier.

Option B: This mode of transmission involves ingesting pathogens present in contaminated food or water. Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted via a mosquito bite, not through the digestive system.
Option C: This mode involves inhaling respiratory droplets containing pathogens. Malaria is a blood-borne parasite and is not present in respiratory secretions.
Option D: A fomite is an inanimate object (e.g., doorknob, clothing) that can carry infectious agents. Malaria is transmitted by a living mosquito, not an object.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Modes of disease transmission, specifically for Malaria as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that malaria is vector-borne is fundamental for nursing practice, as it directs all preventive and public health education efforts towards vector control.
Nurses play a key role in educating patients and communities on using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), applying mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed.
A crucial nursing responsibility is to identify patients at risk, such as travelers returning from endemic areas, and to recognize the classic symptoms (fever, chills, sweats) to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the mode of transmission for a specific disease: Malaria.
Recall or deduce the definition of each option: Vector (living carrier), Food/waterborne (ingestion), Airborne (inhalation), and Fomite (inanimate object).
Associate the disease (Malaria) with its well-known transmission method. Malaria is famously linked to mosquito bites.
Categorize the mosquito's role in this transmission. Since a mosquito is a living organism that transmits a pathogen, it is classified as a vector.
Select the option that correctly matches the disease with its transmission category, which is 'Vector'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 119-121

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 91-93

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 131-133

Practise the full BHU NO - 2015

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