Question

Filarial disease (filariasis) is transmitted by which of the following mosquitoes?

• A. Anopheles
• B. Aedes
• C. Culex
• D. Mansonia

Hint:

Common mosquito-borne diseases: Malaria – Anopheles mosquito, Dengue/Chikungunya – Aedes mosquito, Filariasis – Culex mosquito.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Filariasis (also called elephantiasis) is a parasitic disease caused mainly by the nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Step 1: Identify the transmitting vector. The most common vector responsible for transmitting filariasis is the Culex mosquito, especially Culex quinquefasciatus.

Step 2: Transmission mechanism. When an infected mosquito bites a human, the infective larvae enter the bloodstream and migrate to the lymphatic system.

Step 3: Effect on the human body. The parasites grow and reproduce in the lymphatic vessels, causing blockage and severe swelling of body parts such as legs and genitals, a condition known as elephantiasis.