Protozoan infections can be transmitted by vectors.

Protozoan infections can be transmitted by vectors.

• A. Transmitted by vectors
• B. Fecal-oral
• C. Ingested
• D. Direct contact

Answer: (A)

Vector-borne transmission is a recognized way protozoan infections spread. Some protozoa rely on a vector—an arthropod such as a mosquito, sandfly, or kissing bug—to pick up the parasite and transmit it to a new host. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium, is carried by Anopheles mosquitoes; sleeping sickness is spread by tsetse flies; leishmaniasis by sandflies. These examples show that protozoan infections can indeed be transmitted by vectors. Other protozoa spread by different routes, such as fecal-oral transmission (Giardia, Entamoeba) or direct contact, but the fact that vector transmission occurs makes the statement true.

Vector-borne transmission is a recognized way protozoan infections spread. Some protozoa rely on a vector—an arthropod such as a mosquito, sandfly, or kissing bug—to pick up the parasite and transmit it to a new host. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium, is carried by Anopheles mosquitoes; sleeping sickness is spread by tsetse flies; leishmaniasis by sandflies. These examples show that protozoan infections can indeed be transmitted by vectors. Other protozoa spread by different routes, such as fecal-oral transmission (Giardia, Entamoeba) or direct contact, but the fact that vector transmission occurs makes the statement true.