Question

Tsetse fly is a vector for sleeping sickness, which transmits the infective stage of which of the following parasites?
(a)Leishmania donovani
(b)Plasmodium falciparum
(c)Trypanosoma gambiense
(d)Wuchereria bancrofti

Answer 1

Hint: Another form of this disease is Chagas disease which is seen in Latin America. Sleeping sickness is caused by a microscopic parasite mostly in sub-Saharan African countries as the vector Tsetse fly (Glossina species) is only found there.

Complete answer:
Sleeping sickness is also known as African Trypanosomiasis as it is seen in African countries and is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma gambiense . This disease is curable but without treatment proves to be fatal. This disease is transmitted by the vector Tsetse fly which acquires this parasite by biting an infected human or animal. The Human African trypanosomiasis is found in 2 forms depending on the parasite that caused the infection which is Trypanosoma gambiense which accounts for 98% of the sleeping sickness cases and Trypanosoma rhodesiense which accounts for 2%.

Additional Information: Let us learn more about sleeping sickness disease.
-The first stage of this disease is known as the haemo-lymphatic stage.
-This is because in this stage the parasite multiples in the subcutaneous tissues, blood, and lymph of the body.
-The symptoms of this stage include bouts of fever, headaches, enlarged lymph nodes, joint pains, and itching.
-The second stage of this disease is known as the meningo-encephalitic stage.
-This is because the parasites now cross the blood-brain barrier to infect the central nervous system.
-The symptoms of this stage include changes in behavior and sleep cycle, confusion, sensory disturbances, and poor coordination.
So, the correct option is ‘Trypanosoma gambiense ’.

Note: -Some species of Trypanosoma infect animals as well. When cattle are infected by this parasite it is known as Nagana.
-Leishmania parasite causes the disease Leishmaniasis with the vector sandfly.
-Plasmodium is responsible for causing malaria and Wuchereria causes elephantiasis or Wuchereriasis.