Question

How do vectors play s role in the transmission of disease? What are some procedures for control and prevention? Provide a specific example. Cite and reference your sources.

Answer 1

Mostly the arthropods can transmit disease causing microorganisms to humans through punctures or biting and these can serve as a second host for the pathogen during some part of its life cycle. Essentially the sexual cycle of the parasite or any organism takes place in the vector, which then transfers the infective forms into the host. Infections are mostly caused by pathogens and the patient or person/ animal suffering from the disease are the pathogen saviors. Such a person or an animal is the carrier of a particular infection. The route by which the infectious microorganisms escape the reservoir is known as mode of escape pathogens may escape the carrier through gastrointestinal route such as urine or faces or respiratory route through coughing, sneezing etc. The connection between the reservoir and the person who is going to catch the disease next (i.e, host) is known as vector. Diseases can spread from one person to another through these vectors. Thus vectors act as vehicle of disease transmission mosquitoes infected with parasite act as vectors for diseases such as malaria or dengue.

Ex: Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium species which is transmitted by the mosquito vector and so it is categorized in vector transmitted diseases.

Vector prevention procedures:

Water supply Improvement and water-storage systems

Proper management Solid waste

Mosquito-proofing of water-storage containers

Use chemical controls like larvicides

Use Insecticides and Space sprays for reducing vectors.

Ex: Water borne diseases are mainly caused due to mosquitoes during rainy seasons. They begin to lay eggs in stagnant water which is responsible for spreading diseases through water. Vector focused measures are those which concentrate in fully abolishing the disease causing insects. But there are many consequences behind these measures. The government takes actions like giving prior medicine to new born babies to prevent these diseases but some people do not value these activities. They think that it is a waste of time. The only way to prevent this is creating extra awareness among people and billing them with a fine amount if they refuse to obey the rules.

References:

Edlow (1999) Ann Emerg Med 33:680-93.

Gayle (2001) Am Fam Physician 64(3):461-6

Taege (2000) Cleve Clin J Med 67:241-9