During surveillance for acute encephalitis syndrome in Uttar Pradesh, Japanese encephalitis virus is isolated from mosquitoes. Which combination correctly identifies the principal vector, the amplifying vertebrate host, and the reservoir?
- A Anopheles culicifacies, cattle, rodents
- B Aedes aegypti, humans, monkeys
- C Culex vishnui group, pigs, wading birds ✓
- D Mansonia species, horses, bats
Correct answer: C. Culex vishnui group, pigs, wading birds
Explanation
Japanese encephalitis virus cycles between Culicine mosquitoes of the Culex vishnui group (especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus) and wading birds, which are the true reservoir. Domestic pigs develop high-titer viremia without disease and act as amplifier hosts near human dwellings; proximity of pigsties to houses is a recognized risk factor. Humans are incidental dead-end hosts with brief low-level viremia, which is why person-to-person spread does not occur and why killing distractor B is straightforward.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.