The 'Vivax package' (Primaquine 0.25 mg/kg for 14 days) for radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria under NVBDCP is contraindicated in which group?
- A Patients with renal failure only
- B Elderly patients above 65 years
- C Adults with G6PD deficiency, pregnant women, and infants <6 months ✓
- D Patients co-infected with P. falciparum
Correct answer: C. Adults with G6PD deficiency, pregnant women, and infants <6 months
Explanation
Primaquine, used for radical cure of P. vivax and P. ovale (to eliminate liver hypnozoites), causes dose-dependent hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals, so G6PD testing is recommended before use. It is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy (risk to fetus), infants <6 months (G6PD status unknown, risk of hemolysis), and patients with severe G6PD deficiency. Co-infection with P. falciparum is treated with artemisinin-based combination therapy plus primaquine.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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