Phlebotomus argentipes is the primary vector of Kala-azar in India. It differs from mosquitoes in that it:
- A Breeds in damp soil with organic matter and requires 100% relative humidity ✓
- B Breeds in clean, stagnant water
- C Can be controlled by larviciding with temephos
- D Has a flight range exceeding 2 km from breeding site
Explanation
Phlebotomus (sandfly) breeds in damp, dark, moist environments — cracks in mud walls, debris, leaf litter, animal burrows — requiring very high humidity (close to 100%) and organic material. Unlike mosquitoes, sandflies do NOT breed in water. Their flight range is very limited (< 200 meters, typically < 100 m), making them poor dispersers. Temephos is used for mosquito larvae in water; sandfly control relies on IRS with DDT/insecticides, environmental management of breeding sites (plastering walls, clearing debris). Their limited flight range explains focal, village-level distribution of kala-azar in endemic districts.
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.