Which of the following diseases is transmitted by the bite of an infected phlebotomine sandfly, characterised by irregular fever, weight loss and enlargement of the spleen and liver?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Visceral leishmaniasis.

• Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is transmitted by the bite of an infected phlebotomine sandfly.
• This disease is characterized by symptoms such as irregular fever, weight loss, and enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) and liver (hepatomegaly).
• Visceral leishmaniasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease if not treated, as it affects the internal organs.

Information Booster:

Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar):

• Caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus.
• Transmitted through the bite of an infected female phlebotomine sandfly.
• Common in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.
• Symptoms include prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and swelling of the spleen and liver.
• Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications like amphotericin B, miltefosine, or pentavalent antimonials.

Japanese Encephalitis:

• A viral brain infection transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily found in Asia.

Diarrhoea:

• A common condition that causes loose, watery stools, often due to infection, but not transmitted by sandflies.

Anaplasmosis:

• A tick-borne disease caused by Anaplasma bacteria, affecting white blood cells, not transmitted by sandflies.