Which of the Following is Considered a Mechanical Vector Transmission

Question

Which of the following is considered a mechanical vector transmission?
A) cockroach transmission of Shigella
B) mosquito transmission of Plasmodium
C) flea transmission of Yersinia
D) tsetse fly transmission of Trypanosoma
E) louse transmission of Rickettsia

Accepted Answer

Mechanical vector transmission refers to the passive transport of pathogens by an insect or other animal. The pathogen does not undergo any lifecycle changes within the vector. In the case of a cockroach transmitting Shigella, the cockroach can carry the pathogen on its body from feces or other contaminated sources to food or surfaces that humans then touch or consume, leading to infection. This is different from biological transmission, where the pathogen undergoes a lifecycle change within the vector, as seen in the other options.