The principal vector responsible for the bulk of rural malaria transmission in the plains of India is:
- A Anopheles minimus
- B Anopheles fluviatilis
- C Anopheles culicifacies ✓
- D Anopheles stephensi
Correct answer: C. Anopheles culicifacies
Explanation
Anopheles culicifacies is the most widely distributed vector in India and transmits malaria across the rural plains, accounting for the majority of cases. Anopheles stephensi is the urban vector that breeds in wells, cisterns and rooftop tanks, while fluviatilis and minimus are foothill and hill vectors breeding in slow-flowing streams. Knowing which vector dominates a setting determines whether IRS, larval source management or urban container control is prioritised.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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