Which of the following is a vector borne disease?

UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Microbiology

Easy

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Explanation

A vector-borne disease is transmitted by a living organism, typically an arthropod like a mosquito or tick, that carries an infectious agent from one host to another.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The mosquito serves as the biological vector, allowing the virus to replicate before transmitting it to the next human host.
The other options—Tetanus, Measles, and Diphtheria—are not transmitted by an insect or arthropod vector.

Option A: Tetanus is not transmitted by a vector. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, whose spores are found in soil and enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a cut or puncture wound.
Option B: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This is classified as airborne or droplet transmission, not vector-borne.
Option C: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, similar to measles, or by direct contact with infected secretions. It is not carried by a vector.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Modes of Disease Transmission helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the mode of transmission is critical for nurses to implement the correct infection prevention and control measures. For Dengue, this involves vector control strategies like eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Patient education is a key nursing role. For Dengue, nurses must educate patients and communities on using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and removing stagnant water.
For diseases like Measles and Diphtheria, infection control focuses on respiratory precautions (e.g., masks, isolation), which is completely different from the environmental control needed for vector-borne diseases.

How to Approach the Question

First, define the key term in the question: 'vector-borne disease'. A vector is a living organism (e.g., insect) that transmits an infectious pathogen to another living organism.
Next, systematically evaluate each option based on its known mode of transmission.
Consider Tetanus: Recall that it's associated with deep, contaminated wounds, not insect bites. This is environmental transmission.
Consider Measles and Diphtheria: Recall that these are classic examples of diseases spread through coughing and sneezing. This is droplet/airborne transmission.
Consider Dengue: Recall that it is commonly known as 'breakbone fever' and is spread by mosquitoes, especially in tropical regions. A mosquito is a vector.
Conclude that Dengue is the only option that fits the definition of a vector-borne disease.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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