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

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 shift 1st

Microbiology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 shift 1st

Explanation

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with nematode worms, also known as filarial worms.
Wuchereria bancrofti is the most common causative agent, responsible for about 90% of lymphatic filariasis cases globally.
The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, including species like Culex, Anopheles, and Aedes.
Adult worms lodge in the lymphatic system, impairing its function and leading to chronic conditions like lymphedema (tissue swelling) and hydrocele (scrotal swelling).

Option A: Plasmodium ovale is a protozoan parasite, not a nematode worm. It causes a type of malaria known as tertian malaria.
Option B: Escherichia coli is a bacterium, not a parasitic worm. It is a common cause of bacterial infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and gastroenteritis.
Option C: Yersinia pestis is the bacterium responsible for causing plague, which is typically transmitted by fleas from rodents.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agents of infectious diseases, specifically lymphatic filariasis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are vital in educating communities in endemic areas about preventing mosquito bites through the use of insecticide-treated nets, repellents, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Nurses play a key role in implementing Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs, which aim to treat entire at-risk populations to interrupt the transmission of filariasis.
For patients with chronic lymphedema or elephantiasis, nurses provide essential care focused on meticulous hygiene, skin care, limb elevation, and exercises to manage swelling and prevent secondary bacterial infections.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is to link a specific disease ('lymphatic filariasis') with its 'causative organism'.
This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of microbiology and infectious diseases.
Systematically evaluate each option. Categorize the organism if possible (e.g., worm, bacterium, protozoan).
Recall or deduce the disease associated with each organism: P. ovale with malaria, E. coli with gut/urinary infections, and Y. pestis with plague.
Recognize that Wuchereria bancrofti is the classic filarial worm known to cause lymphatic filariasis.
Confirm the match between the disease in the question and the correct organism to select the final answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Causative agents of infectious diseases, specifically lymphatic filariasis.
Stem keywords: causative organism, lymphatic filariasis
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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