According to WHO multidrug therapy guidelines, a patient classified as paucibacillary leprosy receives rifampicin once monthly under supervision plus daily self-administered dapsone. What is the minimum duration of this regimen?
- A 24 months
- B 12 months
- C 6 months ✓
- D 3 months
Correct answer: C. 6 months
Explanation
Paucibacillary leprosy (1 to 5 skin lesions, negative skin smears) is treated with monthly supervised rifampicin plus daily dapsone for a minimum of 6 months. Multibacillary disease requires the addition of clofazimine and a minimum of 12 months. Confusing the 6-month paucibacillary duration with the 12-month multibacillary duration is the common error tested here.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.