Plasmodium vivax malaria can cause relapses months to years after the primary infection due to dormant liver-stage parasites called hypnozoites. The only licensed drug active against hypnozoites to prevent relapse is:
- A Chloroquine
- B Primaquine ✓
- C Artesunate
- D Doxycycline
Correct answer: B. Primaquine
Explanation
Primaquine (8-aminoquinoline) is the only currently available drug that kills hypnozoites (dormant hepatic stages) of P. vivax and P. ovale, thereby preventing relapses. Chloroquine treats the acute blood-stage infection but has no effect on hypnozoites. Artesunate is the first-line treatment for severe malaria (blood stages). G6PD testing must be done before primaquine due to risk of haemolytic anaemia.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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