Causative vector for West Nile Virus?

Causative vector for West Nile Virus?

• A. Aedes mosquitoes
• B. Culex mosquitoes
• C. Anopheles mosquitoes
• D. Tsetse flies

Answer: (B)

West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquitoes, with Culex species acting as the primary vectors. In the usual transmission cycle, infected birds serve as reservoirs; Culex mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on these birds, become viraemic, and then spread the virus to humans or horses when they feed again. This pattern—Culex mosquitoes linking infected birds to humans—is what makes them the classic vector for West Nile virus. By contrast, Aedes mosquitoes are the main transmitters of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya; Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria; and Tsetse flies carry African sleeping sickness.

West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquitoes, with Culex species acting as the primary vectors. In the usual transmission cycle, infected birds serve as reservoirs; Culex mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on these birds, become viraemic, and then spread the virus to humans or horses when they feed again. This pattern—Culex mosquitoes linking infected birds to humans—is what makes them the classic vector for West Nile virus. By contrast, Aedes mosquitoes are the main transmitters of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya; Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria; and Tsetse flies carry African sleeping sickness.