Community Medicine (PSM) · Medical Entomology (Mosquitoes, Flies, Ticks)

Which of the following correctly matches the mosquito genus with its characteristic resting posture and disease transmission?

  • A Anopheles — at an angle (head-down), transmits malaria
  • B Anopheles — parallel to surface, transmits malaria and filariasis
  • C Culex — at an angle to surface (head-down), transmits dengue and chikungunya
  • D Aedes — parallel to surface, transmits Japanese encephalitis
Correct answer: A. Anopheles — at an angle (head-down), transmits malaria

Explanation

Anopheles mosquitoes rest with their body at a distinctive angle to the surface (abdomen pointing upward or 'head-down' posture) — a key identification feature used in indoor resting surveys. They transmit malaria (Plasmodium) and also act as vectors for Wuchereria bancrofti filariasis in some species. Culex mosquitoes rest parallel to the surface (body horizontal) and transmit Japanese Encephalitis, Bancroftian filariasis, and West Nile fever. Aedes mosquitoes also rest parallel to the surface and transmit dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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