Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) is transmitted by the bite of the female sandfly. The vector responsible for transmission of Leishmania donovani in India (Bihar focus) is:
- A Phlebotomus papatasi
- B Phlebotomus argentipes ✓
- C Lutzomyia longipalpis
- D Phlebotomus sergenti
Correct answer: B. Phlebotomus argentipes
Explanation
Phlebotomus argentipes is the principal vector of Leishmania donovani (kala-azar) in the Indian subcontinent, especially in the Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh focus. Phlebotomus papatasi transmits L. major (cutaneous leishmaniasis, Old World). Lutzomyia longipalpis is the primary vector in South America. Phlebotomus sergenti transmits L. tropica in Middle East/Central Asia.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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