Under the national drug policy for malaria, a single low dose of primaquine is added to artemisinin-based combination therapy in confirmed P. falciparum cases. The purpose and dose of this primaquine dose are:
- A Gametocyte killing to reduce transmission, 0.75 mg/kg single dose ✓
- B Radical cure, 0.25 mg/kg daily for 14 days
- C Blood schizonticide to hasten fever clearance, 0.5 mg/kg single dose
- D Suppressive prophylaxis against relapse, 0.75 mg/kg weekly for 8 weeks
Correct answer: A. Gametocyte killing to reduce transmission, 0.75 mg/kg single dose
Explanation
B single dose of primaquine 0.75 mg/kg given with the first dose of ACT sterilises mature falciparum gametocytes, reducing onward transmission to mosquitoes without affecting the patient's own recovery. It is not a radical cure because P. falciparum has no dormant liver stage. The drug is withheld in pregnancy, lactation and infants below 6 months, and G6PD screening is advised where feasible.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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