As per the current National Leprosy Eradication Programme regimen, what is the recommended duration of WHO multidrug therapy for an adult with multibacillary leprosy?

• A 6 months of rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone
• B Single monthly dose of rifampicin, ofloxacin and minocycline for 3 doses
• C 24 months of rifampicin and ethionamide
• D 12 months of rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone ✓

Explanation

Under NLEP, multibacillary leprosy (more than five lesions, positive skin smear, or involvement of more than one nerve trunk) receives triple drug MDT with rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone for 12 months. Paucibacillary leprosy gets two drugs for 6 months, which is option A and is the standard distractor. The three dose ROM regimen is reserved for single lesion paucibacillary leprosy, not multibacillary disease.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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