Question

The vector responsible for the transmission of sleeping sickness is –
A. Tse-tse fly
B. Plasmodium
C. Aedes aegypti
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint:Sleeping sickness is a disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei. The organism resides in the gut of the vector. It comes to the salivary gland during night time.

Complete answer: The disease sleeping sickness is also known as Trypanosomiasis. It is caused by Trypanosoma brucei. This organism is transmitted by the vector Tse-tse fly (Glossina).
Sleeping sickness threatens millions of people in over 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Many of the affected populations live in remote rural areas where there is limited access to adequate health services. This complicates the surveillance and therefore the diagnosis and treatment of the patients. In addition, the displacement of populations, war, and poverty are also important factors that facilitate transmission.
The early symptoms of the disease include –
Fever
Headaches
Joint pains
Itching
In the later stages, the symptoms may include behavioral changes, confusion, and poor coordination. People may also experience –
Pain in the joints or muscles
Sleep disorders – insomnia or sleepiness
Weight issues – muscle loss, weakness, or weight loss
Other common symptoms include – fever, headache, itching, mental confusion, personality change, problems with coordination, skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes.
Only four drugs have been registered for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis –
Pentamidine
Suramin
Melarsoprol
Eflornithine
A fifth drug, nifurtimox, is also used in combination under special authorizations.

So, the answer is option A.

Note: The disease is a vector transmitted disease, the vector being Tse-tse fly. It is a communicable disease that can be prevented if the sanitary conditions are properly maintained. For this, we need to eliminate stagnant water.