American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

Bartonella quintana, the causative agent of trench fever, is primarily transmitted by body lice. These lice are ectoparasites that infest humans and are known to thrive in unsanitary conditions. They act as vectors for B. quintana by allowing the bacteria to multiply within their bodies and subsequently transmitting it through their feces or via direct contact with broken skin during a lice bite.

Body lice are particularly associated with crowded living conditions where hygiene may be compromised, enhancing the capability of the louse to spread infections like trench fever. Recognizing the role of body lice in this context is crucial for understanding the transmission dynamics of B. quintana and implementing effective public health strategies to control outbreaks.

Other options, such as fleas, bedbugs, and scabies, do not play a significant role in the transmission of Bartonella quintana. Fleas are more commonly associated with the transmission of other pathogens, such as Yersinia pestis (the plague). Bedbugs are not vectors for any significant pathogens, primarily causing discomfort without known disease transmission. Scabies, caused by a mite, leads to intense itching and skin irritation but is not a vector for B. quintana. Hence, the identification of body lice as the correct vector