Question

Which of the following diseases is transmitted by body lice?

tularemia
bubonic plague
murine typhus
epidemic typhus

Answer 1

Epidemic typhus, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii, is the disease transmitted by body lice. It presents with high fever, body aches, and a spreading rash, and can be fatal in severe cases without treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the diseases listed, epidemic typhus is transmitted by body lice. This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia prowazekii and is specifically spread by the louse Pediculus humanus. Epidemic typhus is significant for its historical impact, causing vast outbreaks with high mortality rates during wars or times of extreme hardship. The symptoms include high fever, body aches, and a rash that can spread from the abdomen and chest to the extremities. Without treatment, severe cases can lead to complications and even death.

It is important to note that while body lice can transmit other diseases, epidemic typhus is the main disease they spread. Murine typhus, although caused by a related bacterium, Rickettsia typhi, is not typically spread by body lice but rather by the rat flea. This distinction is critical when diagnosing and understanding vector-borne illnesses.

Answer 2

The correct answer will be option- epidemic typhus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Epidemic typhus is an uncommon disease which is caused by a bacterial species called Rickettsia prowazekii.

This disease spread in the human population through body lice where body lice are very common like in an overcrowded population. The symptoms of the disease appear after 2 weeks of the contact with body lice which is marked by the Fever and chills, Rapid breathing, Rash, cough and others.

Thus, option- epidemic typhus is the correct answer.