A child from Bihar comes with fever. Blood examination shows sheathed microfilaria with nuclei up to tail tip. The diagnosis is –
**Core Concept**
The patient likely has a filarial infection, a parasitic disease caused by filarial nematodes. Filariae can be identified based on their morphology, including the presence of sheaths and the location of their nuclei.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The presence of sheathed microfilaria with nuclei up to the tail tip is characteristic of Wuchereria bancrofti, a species of filarial nematode that causes lymphatic filariasis. The sheath surrounding the microfilaria is a diagnostic feature of this species. The nuclei extending up to the tail tip also help in differentiating it from other filarial species.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not match the description of the microfilaria provided in the question.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not the correct species of filarial nematode associated with sheathed microfilaria.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not the correct species of filarial nematode associated with sheathed microfilaria.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem in many developing countries, including India. It is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause significant morbidity and disability.
**Correct Answer:** B.