Which of the following is the causative agent of lymphatic filariasis?

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with filarial worms, which are thread-like nematodes.
Wuchereria bancrofti is the most common causative agent, accounting for about 90% of all lymphatic filariasis cases worldwide.
The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Adult worms reside in the lymphatic system, causing inflammation and obstruction that can lead to chronic conditions like lymphedema (tissue swelling) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling).

Option A: Plasmodium is a genus of protozoan parasites, not a filarial worm. It is the causative agent of malaria.
Option C: Trichomonas (specifically Trichomonas vaginalis) is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It does not cause lymphatic filariasis.
Option D: Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that infects the intestines and causes amoebiasis, also known as amoebic dysentery.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agents of major parasitic diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are integral to public health initiatives like Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs, which aim to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas by treating entire populations.
Patient education is a key nursing role, focusing on preventing mosquito bites through the use of insecticide-treated nets, repellents, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
For patients with chronic lymphedema or elephantiasis, nurses provide crucial care and teaching on meticulous skin hygiene, limb elevation, and exercises to manage swelling and prevent painful secondary bacterial infections.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'causative agent' and 'lymphatic filariasis'. This is a direct factual recall question asking for the specific pathogen that causes a named disease.
Systematically review each option and recall the primary disease associated with it.
Option A, Plasmodium, is the well-known cause of malaria.
Option C, Trichomonas, is a common cause of a sexually transmitted infection.
Option D, Entamoeba histolytica, is the cause of amoebic dysentery.
Option B, Wuchereria bancrofti, is a classic example of a filarial worm that causes lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis).

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

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 311-313

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