A tick collected during a Kyasanur Forest Disease survey is examined. Its dorsal surface shows a continuous chitinous shield (scutum) covering the entire back, and its capitulum is visible from the dorsal aspect. These features identify it as:
- A A trombiculid mite
- B A soft tick (family Argasidae)
- C A hard tick (family Ixodidae) ✓
- D A mesostigmatid mite
Correct answer: C. A hard tick (family Ixodidae)
Explanation
Hard ticks (Ixodidae) possess a rigid scutum that covers the whole dorsum in males and part of it in females, and their capitulum projects anteriorly, visible from above. Soft ticks (Argasidae) lack a true scutal shield, their body surface is leathery, and the capitulum lies ventrally, hidden from the dorsal view. KFD vectors such as Haemaphysalis spinigera are ixodid ticks. Mites are distinguished by their small size and lack of the tick body plan, so options A and D are excluded on morphology alone.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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