Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of which vector?

Study for the Introduction to Parasitology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam thoroughly!

Multiple Choice

Leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of which vector?

Explanation:
Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite of a blood-feeding insect known as the female sandfly. The parasite Leishmania resides in the sandfly and is passed to a person when the infected female takes a blood meal. Males do not transmit the parasite, and the other insects listed—Anopheles mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas—are vectors for other diseases, not leishmaniasis. Understanding the role of the sandfly clarifies why this mode of transmission is unique to leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite of a blood-feeding insect known as the female sandfly. The parasite Leishmania resides in the sandfly and is passed to a person when the infected female takes a blood meal. Males do not transmit the parasite, and the other insects listed—Anopheles mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas—are vectors for other diseases, not leishmaniasis. Understanding the role of the sandfly clarifies why this mode of transmission is unique to leishmaniasis.

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