Most important mosquito-borne microorganisms:
Malaria Parasites (Plasmodium spp.): Malaria is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by various species of the Plasmodium parasite. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it transfers the parasite into their bloodstream. The parasites then infect the liver and red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, and anemia.
Dengue Virus: Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti. Dengue fever can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe dengue (also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever), which can be life-threatening.
Zika Virus: Zika virus is another pathogen spread by Aedes mosquitoes. In most cases, Zika causes mild or asymptomatic infections, but it can pose serious risks to pregnant women due to the association with birth defects such as microcephaly in babies.
Chikungunya Virus: Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It causes fever, joint pain, and rash. While rarely fatal, the joint pain can be debilitating and last for months.
Yellow Fever Virus: Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus and is also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe and potentially fatal disease.
West Nile Virus: West Nile virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but in some cases, it can lead to flu-like illness or more severe neurological complications.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus: Japanese encephalitis virus is prevalent in parts of Asia and is transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly Culex species. It can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and can have severe neurological effects.
Lymphatic Filariasis Parasites (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori): These parasites cause lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, which is characterized by swelling and enlargement of body parts. It is transmitted by various mosquito species.
Rift Valley Fever Virus: Rift Valley fever is a viral disease primarily affecting animals, but it can also infect humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe illness.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus and Western Equine Encephalitis Virus: These viruses can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses, and they are transmitted by mosquito species found in certain regions.
Yellow Fever Virus: Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus and is also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe and potentially fatal disease.
West Nile Virus: West Nile virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, but in some cases, it can lead to flu-like illness or more severe neurological complications.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus: Japanese encephalitis virus is prevalent in parts of Asia and is transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly Culex species. It can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and can have severe neurological effects.
Lymphatic Filariasis Parasites (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori): These parasites cause lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, which is characterized by swelling and enlargement of body parts. It is transmitted by various mosquito species.
Rift Valley Fever Virus: Rift Valley fever is a viral disease primarily affecting animals, but it can also infect humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause a range of symptoms, from mild fever to severe illness.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus and Western Equine Encephalitis Virus: These viruses can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses, and they are transmitted by mosquito species found in certain regions.
Multiple choice questions on Mosquito borne diseases
1. Which mosquito-borne microorganism is responsible for causing malaria?
a) Chikungunya virus
b) Dengue virus
c) Plasmodium parasite
d) Zika virus
2. Which mosquito species is primarily responsible for transmitting the dengue virus?
a) Anopheles mosquito
b) Aedes aegypti mosquito
c) Aedes albopictus mosquito
d) Culex mosquito
3. Zika virus is known to cause what kind of birth defects when transmitted to pregnant women?
a) Autism spectrum disorder
b) Cleft lip and palate
c) Down syndrome
d) Microcephaly
4. Yellow fever is transmitted by which type of mosquito?
a) Aedes aegypti mosquito
b) Anopheles mosquito
c) Aedes albopictus mosquito
d) Culex mosquito
5. Which mosquito-borne disease can lead to joint pain and swelling that can last for months?
a) Chikungunya
b) Malaria
c) West Nile virus
d) Yellow fever
6. The primary reservoir hosts for West Nile virus are:
a) Dogs
b) Birds
c) Monkeys
d) Pigs
7. Which mosquito-borne disease is associated with swelling and enlargement of body parts, known as elephantiasis?
a) Dengue fever
b) Malaria
c) Lymphatic filariasis
d) West Nile virus
8. Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by which type of mosquito?
a) Aedes aegypti mosquito
b) Aedes albopictus mosquito
c) Anopheles mosquito
d) Culex mosquito
9. Rift Valley fever is primarily a disease of:
a) Birds
b) Fish
c) Horses
d) Humans
10. Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) are caused by viruses that affect:
a) Birds only
b) Both humans and horses
c) Horses only
d) Humans only
Answers:
1. c) Plasmodium parasite
2. b) Aedes aegypti mosquito
3. d) Microcephaly, a birth defect characterized by a smaller-than-normal head and developmental issues.
4. a) Aedes aegypti mosquito
5. a) Chikungunya
6. b) Birds. Mosquitoes become infected by biting infected birds, and then they can transmit the virus to humans and other animals through their bites.
7. c) Lymphatic filariasis, the infection can lead to the blockage of the lymphatic system, resulting in swelling and enlargement of body parts.
8. d) Culex mosquito, these mosquitoes typically breed in rice paddies and other flooded areas.
9. c) Horses
10.b) Both humans and horses, these viruses can lead to encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
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