Which vector transmits Chagas disease?

Which vector transmits Chagas disease?

• A. Anopheles mosquitoes
• B. Phlebotomus sandflies
• C. Triatomine bugs
• D. Aedes mosquitoes

Answer: (C)

Chagas disease is transmitted primarily by triatomine bugs, the insects often called kissing bugs. The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi lives in the bug’s gut and is passed to humans when the bug bites at night and defecates. The parasite in the feces enters the body through the bite wound or mucous membranes as the person unknowingly rubs or scratches the area, establishing infection. The other insects listed are responsible for other diseases: Anopheles mosquitoes carry malaria, Phlebotomus sandflies spread leishmaniasis, and Aedes mosquitoes transmit arboviruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. So triatomine bugs are the vector for Chagas disease.

Chagas disease is transmitted primarily by triatomine bugs, the insects often called kissing bugs. The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi lives in the bug’s gut and is passed to humans when the bug bites at night and defecates. The parasite in the feces enters the body through the bite wound or mucous membranes as the person unknowingly rubs or scratches the area, establishing infection. The other insects listed are responsible for other diseases: Anopheles mosquitoes carry malaria, Phlebotomus sandflies spread leishmaniasis, and Aedes mosquitoes transmit arboviruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. So triatomine bugs are the vector for Chagas disease.