Write the causal organisms and control measures of Dengue and Chikungunya.

Dengue: It is a mosquito-borne viral infection, mostly occurs in tropical and subtropical climates in urban and semi-urban areas. The causative agent of dengue is a virus called Dengue virus (DENV). Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, vomiting, skin rash, etc. Chikungunya: Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted when a virus-carrying mosquito bites a human being. The causative agent of chikungunya is also a virus called Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). The symptoms of chikungunya infection include fever, joint pain, headache, etc. Control measures of Dengue and Chikungunya: As the vector of both infections are mosquitoes of genus Aedes , these infections can be prevented by taking the following measures: Insecticide-treated mosquito nets should be used to avoid mosquito bites. Waterlogging should be avoided near home as mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. Mosquito repellents should be used to avoid mosquito bites.

Describe the cause, prevention, and treatment of malaria.

Cause of malaria: Malaria is an infectious disease that can be transmitted from one person to the other through a specific mosquito bite called the female Anopheles (genus) mosquito, which hosts the protozoan parasite that causes the disease. Thus, that protozoan parasite, which is the causative agent of malaria, is species of genus Plasmodium . Prevention of malaria: It can be prevented by using insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Water-logging should be avoided near home as mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. Mosquito repellents should be used to avoid mosquito bites. Treatment of malaria: It can be treated by taking antimalarial drugs such as atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, etc.

Describe the cause, prevention, and treatment of elephantiasis.

Cause of elephantiasis: Elephantiasis, also called filariasis, is considered a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by a nematode called Wuchereria bancrofti and can spread from person to person through different species of mosquitoes. In elephantiasis, the microfilaria larvae of the worm Wuchereria bancrofti cause blockage of lower lymphatic vessels, which lead to swelling of the scrotum, legs, or breasts. Prevention of elephantiasis: The best way to prevent elephantiasis is to avoid mosquito bites, as mosquitoes are vectors of these parasites. Using mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, clearing waterlogging, etc., are helpful to stop spreading. Treatment of elephantiasis: It is treated by using antiparasitic drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC), mectizan, and albendazole.

Comment upon interferons.

Chemotherapeutic agents, also referred to as antineoplastic agents, are substances used primarily to directly or indirectly inhibit the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cancer cells. The most promising chemotherapeutic agent for treating viral disease is interferons. Interferons are a group of signalling proteins (a type of biomolecule) released by virally infected cells to protect the other cells from viruses. Certain interferons are manufactured that can act as vectors for carrying the drugs, which can be useful in treating viral infections.