Which of the following is the vector for Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) in India?
- A Phlebotomus papatasi
- B Lutzomyia longipalpis
- C Phlebotomus argentipes ✓
- D Sergentomyia bailyi
Correct answer: C. Phlebotomus argentipes
Explanation
Phlebotomus argentipes (female) is the proven vector of visceral leishmaniasis (Leishmania donovani) in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It is an endophilic, endophagic sandfly breeding in humid, shaded soil. P. papatasi transmits cutaneous leishmaniasis (L. tropica) in the Middle East and Mediterranean. Lutzomyia longipalpis is the vector in South America. Sergentomyia bailyi does not transmit visceral leishmaniasis.
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.