Scrub typhus is transmitted by which vector, and the larval stage responsible for transmission is:

• A Ixodes tick (adult female)
• B Phlebotomus sandfly (female)
• C Culex mosquito (infected female)
• D Leptotrombidium mite (chigger/larval stage) ✓

Explanation

Scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi) is transmitted by trombiculid mites of the genus Leptotrombidium. Only the larval stage (chigger) feeds on vertebrate hosts and transmits infection during its single blood meal. The mite acquires Orientia from transovarial transmission and maintains it across generations. Rodents are the primary reservoir; humans are incidental hosts.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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