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

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

Wuchereria bancrofti is a filarial nematode (roundworm) that is the primary causative agent of lymphatic filariasis, accounting for about 90% of cases.
The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Adult worms lodge in the lymphatic system, impairing lymph drainage and causing chronic inflammation, which leads to lymphedema and elephantiasis.
The offspring of the worms, called microfilariae, circulate in the blood, typically at night, and can be ingested by a mosquito during a blood meal, continuing the life cycle.

Option A: Plasmodium is a genus of protozoan parasites, not a helminth. It infects red blood cells and liver cells.
Option C: Trichomonas, specifically Trichomonas vaginalis, is a protozoan parasite that infects the urogenital tract.
Option D: Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that primarily infects the large intestine, causing intestinal and extra-intestinal amoebiasis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agents of parasitic diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in public health campaigns for Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, ensuring community participation and adherence.
Patient education is a key nursing function, involving teaching about mosquito bite prevention (using nets, repellents) and recognizing early signs of the disease.
For patients with chronic lymphedema (elephantiasis), nurses provide care focused on meticulous hygiene, skin care, exercise, and limb elevation to manage swelling, prevent secondary bacterial infections, and improve quality of life.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'causative agent' and 'lymphatic filariasis'. This signals a need to match a specific disease with its pathogen.
This is a factual recall question, relying on your knowledge of microbiology and infectious diseases.
Systematically review each option. For each organism, recall the primary disease it causes.
Option A, Plasmodium, causes malaria.
Option C, Trichomonas, causes trichomoniasis.
Option D, Entamoeba histolytica, causes amoebiasis.

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 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 405-407

Practise the full UPRVUNL - 2021

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