The main vector transmitting malaria in Sabah is Anopheles balabacensis. This vector breeds in

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Anopheles balabacensis, the main vector transmitting malaria in Sabah, breeds in temporary water collections in jungles. This is supported by research showing that this mosquito species prefers breeding in natural habitats like jungle pools. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Anopheles balabacensis is not typically found breeding in artificial containers in urban centers, drains, or rock pools in control areas. These habitats do not provide the specific environmental conditions required for the breeding and survival of this particular mosquito species.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Basophilic stippling is caused by the presence of ribosomal RNA in red blood cells, which is a characteristic finding in chronic lead poisoning. Lead inhibits enzymes involved in heme synthesis, leading to accumulation of ribosomal RNA. In CML, there is an increase in immature white blood cells, not red blood cells. Myelosclerosis is associated with bone marrow fibrosis, not basophilic stippling. Iron deficiency anemia presents with microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells, not basophilic stippling.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: hereditary spherocytosis. Splenectomy is curative in hereditary spherocytosis because the spleen is responsible for the destruction of the abnormal spherocytes in this condition. Removing the spleen eliminates the primary site of red blood cell destruction, leading to an improvement in anemia and other symptoms. Incorrect choices: A: Splenectomy is contraindicated in G6PD deficiency as it can worsen hemolysis by increasing the workload on other organs. B: Splenectomy can be beneficial in ITP to increase platelet counts but is not curative as the underlying autoimmune process persists. C: Splenectomy is not curative in thalassemia as it does not address the underlying genetic defect causing abnormal hemoglobin synthesis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thrombocytopenia is absent in Henoch Schonlein purpura because it is primarily a vasculitis affecting small blood vessels, not directly causing platelet destruction. Thrombocytopenia is present in DIC due to widespread coagulation activation. Wiskott Aldrich syndrome and myelosclerosis both involve platelet dysfunction or decreased production, leading to thrombocytopenia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: sideroblastic anemia. In sideroblastic anemia, there is impaired heme synthesis leading to the accumulation of iron in the mitochondria of red blood cell precursors. This results in increased serum iron levels due to the release of iron from the mitochondria. Decreased Iron Binding Capacity (IBC) occurs as a compensatory mechanism due to the increased serum iron levels. Choice A, hookworm infestation, would typically result in iron deficiency anemia with decreased serum iron levels and normal to increased IBC. Choice C, alcoholic liver disease, is associated with decreased serum iron levels and normal to increased IBC due to impaired iron metabolism. Choice D, thalassemia major, presents with normal to decreased serum iron levels and normal to increased IBC due to ineffective erythropoiesis.