Communicable diseases mnemonic

Mosquito vector genera and their diseases

The mnemonic

A-A-C-M

What each word stands for

  • AedesDengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever
  • AnophelesMalaria
  • CulexFilariasis and Japanese encephalitis
  • MansoniaBrugian filariasis

Why it matters clinically

Links the right vector to the disease for control measures such as larvicides and nets.

Where it stops being reliable

Covers the main genera only; species within each differ in biting time and habitat.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Communicable diseases mnemonic?

A-A-C-M. It helps you recall: Mosquito vector genera and their diseases.

What does "Aedes" stand for?

Dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever

What does "Anopheles" stand for?

Malaria

What does "Culex" stand for?

Filariasis and Japanese encephalitis

What are all the parts of the A-A-C-M mnemonic?

Aedes: Dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever; Anopheles: Malaria; Culex: Filariasis and Japanese encephalitis; Mansonia: Brugian filariasis.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Communicable diseases in PSM.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Covers the main genera only; species within each differ in biting time and habitat.

How is this useful clinically?

Links the right vector to the disease for control measures such as larvicides and nets.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a PSM question about Communicable diseases.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.