Aedes aegypti breeds preferentially in which type of water collection, making it difficult to control using conventional larvicidal methods applied to open water bodies?

• A Slow-moving streams and canals
• B Small, clean, man-made containers (flower pots, water storage, discarded tyres) ✓
• C Stagnant pools with organic matter and algae
• D Salt marshes and brackish water

Explanation

Aedes aegypti is a container breeder that prefers small, clean, clear, and preferably dark-colored man-made containers with water — flower vases, water storage vessels, coolers, discarded tyres, coconut shells, and tin cans. This peri-domestic breeding behavior makes conventional larviciding of large water bodies largely ineffective; source reduction (eliminating or covering containers) is the most effective control strategy. Anopheles breeds in clean, shaded, slowly moving or stagnant water with emergent vegetation. Culex prefers polluted water with organic matter.

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.