A leprosy patient on multibacillary multidrug therapy develops progressive anaemia with haemoglobinuria. He belongs to a community where glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is common. Which component of his regimen is implicated?
- A Dapsone ✓
- B Rifampicin
- C Clofazimine
- D Ofloxacin
Correct answer: A. Dapsone
Explanation
Dapsone is a sulfone structurally related to para-aminobenzoic acid; it inhibits dihydropteroate synthase, blocking folate synthesis in M. leprae. Its important dose-related adverse effects are haemolytic anaemia and methaemoglobinaemia, which are exaggerated in G6PD-deficient individuals. Clofazimine causes skin discolouration and ichthyosis, while rifampicin causes hepatitis and orange discoloration of body fluids.
Reference: Ananthanarayan and Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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