Vector Borne Diseases

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Vector borne diseases

Main vectors and diseases they transmit

  • Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious diseases between humans or from animals to humans.
  • Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects, which ingest disease-producing Microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later inject it into a new host during their subsequent blood meal.
  • Mosquitoes are the best known disease vector.
  • Others include ticks, flies, sandflies, fleas, triatomine bugs and some freshwater aquatic snails.

Mosquitoes

  1. Aedes
  1. Chikungunya
  2. Dengue fever
  3. Lymphatic filariasis
  4. Rift Valley fever
  5. Yellow fever
  6. Zika
  1. Anopheles
  1. Malaria
  2. Lymphatic filariasis
  1. Culex
  1. Japanese encephalitis
  2. Lymphatic filariasis
  3. West Nile fever

Sandflies

  1. Leishmaniasis
  2. Sandfly fever (phelebotomus fever)

Ticks

  1. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
  2. Lyme disease
  3. Relapsing fever (borreliosis)
  4. Rickettsial diseases (spotted fever and Q fever)
  5. Tick-borne encephalitis
  6. Tularaemia

Triatomine bugs

  1. Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis)

Tsetse flies

  1. Sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis)

Fleas

  1. Plague (transmitted by fleas from rats to humans)
  2. Rickettsiosis

Black flies

  1. Onchocerciasis (river blindness)

Aquatic snails

  1. Schistosomiasis (bilharziasis)

Lice

  1. Typhus and louse-borne relapsing fever

Vector-borne diseases

 

  • Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by mosquitoes, sandflies, triatomine bugs, blackflies, ticks, tsetse flies, mites, snails and lice.
  • Every year there are more than 700 000 deaths from diseases such as malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and onchocerciasis, globally.
  • The major vector-borne diseases, together, account for aeround 17% of all infectious diseases.
  • The burden of these diseases is highest in tropical and subtropical areas and they disproportionately affect the poorest populations.
  • Since 2014, major outbreaks of dengue, malaria, chikungunya yellow fever and Zika have afflicted populations, claimed lives and overwhelmed Health systems in many countries.
  • Distribution of vector-borne diseases is determined by complex demographic, environmental and social factors.
  • Global travel and trade, unplanned Urbanization and environmental challenges such as Climate change can impact on pathogen transmission, making transmission season longer or more intense or causing diseases to emerge in countries where they were previously unknown.
  • Changes in agricultural practices due to variation in temperature and rainfall can affect the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
  • The Growth of urban slums, lacking reliable piped water or adequate Solid Waste Management, can render large populations in towns and cities at risk of viral diseases spread by mosquitoes.
  • Together, such factors influence the reach of vector populations and the transmission patterns of disease-causing pathogens.

Vector Borne Diseases in India

  • There are many vector-borne diseases prevalent in India like malaria, filariasis, Kyasanur forest disease, Japanese encephalitis, scrub typhus, dengue and chikungunya.
  • The control of all of them depends on an understanding of the natural cycles and epidemiology of their vectors.

Malaria

  • Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected Female anopheles mosquito. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.  
  • Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting, and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs.

Dengue

  • Dengue fever, also known as breakbone fever, is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles.
  • Dengue is transmitted by several species of mosquito within the genus Aedes, principally A. aegypti.

Japanese Encephalitis (JE)

  • JE is mostly present in in Southern India, Uttar Pradesh, North Eastern states, Haryana. Its causative agent  is Group B arbovirus (Flavivirus) & it is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes.

Chikungunya

  • Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It causes fever and severe joint pain.
  • Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash.Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration.
  • The disease Shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.

Filaria

  • Filariasis  is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type.
  • These are spread by blood-feeding black flies and mosquitoes. This disease belongs to the group of diseases called helminthiasis.

Kala-Azar

  • Visceral leishmaniasis also known as kala-azar, black fever is the most severe form of leishmaniasis.
  • Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. This disease is the second-largest parasitic killer in the world after malaria.

Kyasanur forest disease

  • The Kyasanur forest disease, transmitted by ticks, and scrub typhus, transmitted by mites, are re-emerging in India.
  • Birds and animals, both small and large and wild and domestic, are also involved in the transmission.

 



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Vector-borne diseases are caused by pathogens that are transmitted to humans by vectors, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. These diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and can even be fatal.

There are many different types of vector-borne diseases, including:

  • Arbovirus diseases: These diseases are caused by viruses that are transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, ticks, or other biting insects. Examples of arboviruses include dengue fever, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.
  • Babesiosis: This disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by ticks. Babesiosis can cause fever, chills, anemia, and other symptoms.
  • Bartonellosis: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by fleas. Bartonellosis can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • Chagas disease: This disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by triatomine bugs. Chagas disease can cause heart problems, digestive problems, and other symptoms.
  • Dengue fever: This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Dengue fever can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • Ehrlichiosis: This disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by ticks. Ehrlichiosis can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and other symptoms.
  • Filariasis: This disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Filariasis can cause lymphedema, elephantiasis, and other symptoms.
  • Lyme disease: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by ticks. Lyme disease can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • Malaria: This disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Malaria can cause fever, chills, anemia, and other symptoms.
  • Meningitis: This disease is caused by a virus or bacteria that infects the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can cause fever, headache, stiff neck, and other symptoms.
  • Onchocerciasis: This disease is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans by blackflies. Onchocerciasis can cause skin problems, eye problems, and other symptoms.
  • Plague: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by fleas. Plague can cause fever, chills, headache, and other symptoms.
  • Q fever: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by ticks, cattle, and other animals. Q fever can cause fever, headache, and other symptoms.
  • Rickettsiosis: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by ticks, fleas, and other biting insects. Rickettsiosis can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by ticks. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • Ross River fever: This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Ross River fever can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • St. Louis encephalitis: This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. St. Louis encephalitis can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • Tick-borne relapsing fever: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by ticks. Tick-borne relapsing fever can cause fever, headache, and other symptoms.
  • Tularemia: This disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted to humans by ticks, deerflies, and other biting insects. Tularemia can cause fever, headache, and other symptoms.
  • West Nile virus: This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. West Nile virus can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.
  • Yellow fever: This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Yellow fever can cause fever, headache, rash, and other symptoms.

There are many different ways to prevent vector-borne diseases. Some of the most important preventive measures include:

  • Using insect repellent when outdoors
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors
  • Using mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors
  • Avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present
  • Getting vaccinated against certain vector-borne diseases

If you think you may have been exposed to a vector-borne disease, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

There are many different treatments available for vector-borne diseases. The type of treatment that is recommended will depend on the specific disease that you have. Some of the most common treatments for vector-borne diseases include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Antiparasitics

What is a vector?

A vector is an organism that carries a disease-causing pathogen from one host to another.

What are some examples of vectors?

Some examples of vectors include mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and biting flies.

How do vectors transmit diseases?

Vectors transmit diseases by biting a host and then biting another host. When the vector bites the host, it injects saliva into the host’s bloodstream. The saliva contains the disease-causing pathogen. The pathogen then travels through the host’s bloodstream and infects the host.

What are some diseases that are transmitted by vectors?

Some diseases that are transmitted by vectors include malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus.

How can I protect myself from vector-borne diseases?

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from vector-borne diseases:

  • Use insect repellent when you are outdoors.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when you are outdoors.
  • Avoid areas where mosquitoes and other vectors are present.
  • Install screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes and other vectors out of your home.
  • Empty standing water from buckets, flowerpots, and other containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to a vector-borne disease?

If you think you have been exposed to a vector-borne disease, it is important to see a doctor right away. The doctor can test you for the disease and provide treatment if necessary.

What is the prognosis for people with vector-borne diseases?

The prognosis for people with vector-borne diseases varies depending on the specific disease. Some vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, can be fatal if not treated. Other vector-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, can be treated with antibiotics and usually have a good prognosis.

What is the impact of vector-borne diseases on Society?

Vector-borne diseases have a significant impact on society. They can cause illness, death, and economic losses. Vector-borne diseases also have a negative impact on Quality Of Life. People who are infected with vector-borne diseases may experience fatigue, pain, and other symptoms that can make it difficult to work or participate in social activities.

What is being done to prevent and control vector-borne diseases?

There are a number of things that are being done to prevent and control vector-borne diseases. These include:

  • Developing new Vaccines and treatments for vector-borne diseases.
  • Conducting research on vector control methods.
  • Raising awareness about vector-borne diseases and how to prevent them.
  • Implementing vector control programs in areas where vector-borne diseases are common.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a vector-borne disease?

(A) Malaria
(B) Dengue fever
(C) Zika virus
(D) Lyme disease

Answer

(D) Lyme disease is not a vector-borne disease. It is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most common vector-borne disease in the world?

(A) Malaria
(B) Dengue fever
(C) Zika virus
(D) Chikungunya

Answer

(A) Malaria is the most common vector-borne disease in the world. It is estimated that there are over 200 million cases of malaria each year, and over 400,000 deaths.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a vector for malaria?

(A) Anopheles mosquito
(B) Culex mosquito
(C) Aedes mosquito
(D) Dengue mosquito

Answer

(C) Aedes mosquito is not a vector for malaria. It is a vector for dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya.

Question 4

Which of the following is the best way to prevent malaria?

(A) Use mosquito nets
(B) Take antimalarial drugs
(C) Avoid mosquito bites
(D) All of the above

Answer

(D) All of the above are effective ways to prevent malaria.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a symptom of malaria?

(A) Fever
(B) Chills
(C) Sweating
(D) Rash

Answer

(D) Rash is not a symptom of malaria. Other symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, sweating, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Question 6

Which of the following is the best way to treat malaria?

(A) Take antimalarial drugs
(B) Go to the hospital
(C) Drink plenty of fluids
(D) All of the above

Answer

(D) All of the above are effective ways to treat malaria. If you think you may have malaria, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a risk factor for malaria?

(A) Traveling to a malaria-endemic area
(B) Sleeping in a mosquito net
(C) Taking antimalarial drugs
(D) Having a blood transfusion

Answer

(B) Sleeping in a mosquito net is not a risk factor for malaria. In fact, sleeping in a mosquito net is one of the best ways to prevent malaria.

Question 8

Which of the following is the best way to control malaria?

(A) Use mosquito nets
(B) Take antimalarial drugs
(C) Eliminate mosquitoes
(D) All of the above

Answer

(D) All of the above are effective ways to control malaria. The use of mosquito nets, antimalarial drugs, and the elimination of mosquitoes are all important strategies for preventing and controlling malaria.

Question 9

Which of the following is not a complication of malaria?

(A) Anemia
(B) Brain damage
(C) Kidney failure
(D) Death

Answer

(C) Kidney failure is not a complication of malaria. Other complications of malaria include anemia, brain damage, and death.

Question 10

Which of the following is the best way to prevent the spread of malaria?

(A) Use mosquito nets
(B) Take antimalarial drugs
(C) Avoid mosquito bites
(D) All of the above

Answer

(D) All of the above are effective ways to prevent the spread of malaria. The use of mosquito nets, antimalarial drugs, and avoiding mosquito bites are all important strategies for preventing the spread of malaria.