The pathogens responsible for causing elephantiasis are transmitted to...
- Wuchereria (W. bancrofti and W. malayi), the filarial worms cause a slowly developing chronic inflammation of the organs in which they live for many years, usually the lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs and the disease is called elephantiasis or filariasis.
- The pathogens are transmitted to a healthy person through the bite by the female mosquito vectors.
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The pathogens responsible for causing elephantiasis are transmitted to...
Understanding Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis is a condition characterized by extreme swelling, often in the limbs and genitals, caused by parasitic infections. The primary pathogens responsible for this condition are filarial worms, predominantly *Wuchereria bancrofti*, which are transmitted through specific vectors.
Transmission Route
The correct option for the transmission of the pathogens causing elephantiasis is:
- Female mosquito vector
This means that the filarial worms responsible for elephantiasis are transmitted to a healthy person through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, particularly from species such as *Anopheles*, *Aedes*, and *Culex*.
How Transmission Occurs
- When a female mosquito bites an infected individual, it ingests the microfilariae (larval stage of the worms).
- Inside the mosquito, the larvae develop into an infectious form over a period of time.
- Once the mosquito bites a healthy person, the infectious larvae are injected into the bloodstream, where they can grow into adult worms.
Consequences of Infection
- The adult worms reside in the lymphatic system, causing inflammation and obstruction.
- This leads to severe swelling and the characteristic thickening of the skin, known as elephantiasis.
Other Transmission Methods
- It is important to note that other options such as droplet transmission, contaminated food and water, and sexual contact are not responsible for the transmission of the pathogens causing elephantiasis.
In summary, the transmission of elephantiasis is distinctly linked to the bite of infected female mosquitoes, making them crucial vectors in the spread of this debilitating condition.