Which Anopheles species accounts for the largest share of malaria transmission in India, particularly in rural plains?
- A Anopheles stephensi
- B Anopheles fluviatilis
- C Anopheles culicifacies ✓
- D Anopheles minimus
Correct answer: C. Anopheles culicifacies
Explanation
Anopheles culicifacies transmits roughly 60 to 70 percent of malaria in India and is the dominant rural vector across plains and agricultural tracts. Anopheles stephensi is the important urban vector breeding in overhead tanks and wells, fluviatilis and minimus are foothill and stream-breeding vectors of limited geographic range. Vector identification guides whether IRS, urban larval source management or stream engineering is prioritised.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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