Night blood survey is done in ?
**Core Concept**
Night blood survey is a technique used for the diagnosis of filariasis, a parasitic disease caused by infection with filarial parasites. The survey involves collecting blood samples from individuals at night, when the microfilariae (young filarial parasites) are most active and easily detectable.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The night blood survey is specifically used for the diagnosis of filariasis because the microfilariae of the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti, the primary cause of lymphatic filariasis, exhibit nocturnal periodicity. This means that the microfilariae circulate in the bloodstream in higher concentrations at night, making it an ideal time for collection and detection. The survey involves collecting blood samples from individuals at night, usually between 10 PM and 2 AM, when the microfilariae are most active.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, and its diagnosis does not involve night blood surveys. Typhoid diagnosis typically involves blood cultures, Widal test, or other serological tests.
**Option C:** Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species, and its diagnosis involves different techniques such as microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), or PCR. Night blood surveys are not used for malaria diagnosis.
**Option D:** Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania species. Its diagnosis involves techniques such as bone marrow aspiration, lymph node biopsy, or serological tests, but not night blood surveys.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that night blood surveys are not only used for diagnosis but also for assessing the prevalence of filariasis in a population. This information is critical for planning and implementing control measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
**β Correct Answer: A. Filaria**