A 45-year-old man from Manipur presents with prolonged fever, weight loss, and massive splenomegaly. Bone marrow aspirate confirms Leishmania donovani infection. Which drug is the first-line treatment for visceral leishmaniasis in India according to the National Kala-Azar Elimination Programme?
- A Sodium stibogluconate
- B Amphotericin B liposomal ✓
- C Miltefosine
- D Pentamidine
Correct answer: B. Amphotericin B liposomal
Explanation
Liposomal amphotericin B is the first-line treatment for visceral leishmaniasis in India under the National Kala-Azar Elimination Programme, given as a single infusion with high efficacy (>95%) and low resistance. Sodium stibogluconate (pentavalent antimonial) was previously first-line but resistance in Bihar exceeded 60%. Miltefosine is an oral alternative but has teratogenicity concerns.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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