Concept:
Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by thread-like nematode worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. These parasites affect the lymphatic system and can lead to a condition known as elephantiasis, characterized by swelling of body parts due to lymphatic blockage.
Step 1: Understanding disease transmission
Filariasis is not transmitted directly from person to person. Instead, it spreads through a vector organism that carries the parasite from an infected individual to a healthy one.
Step 2: Identifying the vector
The primary vector responsible for transmitting the filarial parasite is the female Culex mosquito. When this mosquito bites an infected person, it ingests microfilariae (larval forms of the parasite). These larvae develop inside the mosquito and are later transmitted to another human during subsequent bites.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
• Female Anopheles mosquito: Vector for malaria.
• Aedes mosquito: Vector for dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
• Sandfly: Vector for leishmaniasis.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the vector responsible for transmitting Filariasis is the female Culex mosquito.