Which of the following is NOT a water borne parasite: March 2013
**Core Concept**
Waterborne parasites are microorganisms that cause disease in humans through contaminated water sources. They are often found in aquatic environments and can infect humans when ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with contaminated water. Examples include protozoa, helminths, and other microorganisms.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer would be a parasite that primarily causes disease through other transmission routes, such as vectors, direct contact, or airborne transmission. This would exclude parasites typically found in water sources, which are usually transmitted to humans through contaminated water.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** (Insert A here, e.g. *Giardia lamblia*) - This is a waterborne parasite that causes giardiasis, a gastrointestinal infection. It is commonly found in contaminated water sources and is transmitted to humans through ingestion.
**Option B:** (Insert B here, e.g. *Entamoeba histolytica*) - This is also a waterborne parasite that causes amoebiasis, a gastrointestinal infection. It is typically found in contaminated water sources and is transmitted to humans through ingestion.
**Option C:** (Insert C here, e.g. *Schistosoma mansoni*) - This is a waterborne parasite that causes schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection. It is found in freshwater environments and is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water.
**Option D:** (Insert D here, e.g. *Plasmodium falciparum*) - This is a vector-borne parasite that causes malaria, a severe and potentially life-threatening disease. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Waterborne parasites are a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries with inadequate sanitation and water treatment facilities. Giardiasis, caused by *Giardia lamblia*, is one of the most common waterborne diseases worldwide.
**Correct Answer:** D. *Plasmodium falciparum*