All of the following are true about Brugia malayi except-
## **Core Concept**
Brugia malayi is a parasitic filarial worm that causes lymphatic filariasis, primarily in rural areas of Asia. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The lifecycle of Brugia malayi involves both a human host and a mosquito vector.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Brugia malayi is characterized by its specific lifecycle and pathogenesis. The microfilariae of Brugia malayi are ingested by mosquitoes during a blood meal, undergo developmental stages within the mosquito, and are then transmitted to humans. In humans, they mature into adult worms, which reside in the lymphatic system and cause lymphatic filariasis.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Typically, Brugia malayi microfilariae are found in the peripheral blood, often with a nocturnal periodicity, similar to other filarial parasites like Wuchereria bancrofti. This periodicity is a key feature for diagnosis.
- **Option B:** The adult worms of Brugia malayi primarily reside in the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, not in the bloodstream. This is a critical aspect of their pathogenesis, leading to lymphatic obstruction and disease.
- **Option C:** Brugia malayi is indeed transmitted by mosquitoes, specifically by day-biters like Mansonia and Anopheles species, which differentiates it from the night-biters associated with Wuchereria bancrofti.
- **Option D:** The statement that Brugia malayi does not exhibit nocturnal periodicity or details about its lifecycle could potentially be incorrect based on the specifics of the question.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that Brugia malayi infections can cause significant lymphatic disease but are less commonly associated with the severe manifestations seen with Wuchereria bancrofti infections, such as elephantiasis. Diagnosis often relies on the detection of microfilariae in the blood, typically collected at night to coincide with their nocturnal periodicity.
## **Correct Answer:** D.