Which mosquito species is responsible for the largest proportion of malaria cases in rural India?

• A Anopheles stephensi
• B Anopheles dirus
• C Anopheles fluviatilis
• D Anopheles culicifacies ✓

Explanation

Anopheles culicifacies accounts for the majority of malaria transmission in rural plains of India and is the most important vector nationwide. Anopheles stephensi is the urban and peri-urban vector, breeding in wells, tanks and overhead tanks. Anopheles fluviatilis transmits malaria along hill streams and forest fringes, while Anopheles dirus is confined to forested areas of the north-east. Recognising this rural versus urban division of vector responsibility guides where indoor residual spraying and larval source management are targeted.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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