Microbiology An Introduction 12th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Microbiology An Introduction 12th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

In the South and Central America there can be found a species of trypanosomes that is the causative agent of Chagas disease. What animal is the infection carrier specific to this disease?

  • A. Triatomine bug
  • B. Mosquito
  • C. Tsetse fly
  • D. Cockroach
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Triatomine bug. Triatomine bugs, also known as "kissing bugs," are the specific carrier of the trypanosomes that cause Chagas disease. These bugs transmit the parasite through their feces, which contain the infectious forms of the trypanosomes. When the bug bites a human or animal, it defecates near the bite wound, allowing the parasites to enter the bloodstream through the broken skin. Mosquitoes (B) transmit diseases like malaria and dengue fever, not Chagas disease. Tsetse flies (C) are known for transmitting African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), not Chagas disease. Cockroaches (D) are not known to transmit Chagas disease.