Under the National Filaria Control Programme, which drug combination is used in Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for lymphatic filariasis elimination in India?
- A DEC + Albendazole (DA) — or DEC + Albendazole + Ivermectin (IDA) in selected districts ✓
- B Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) alone annually
- C Ivermectin alone in all endemic districts
- D Albendazole alone for children under 15 years
Correct answer: A. DEC + Albendazole (DA) — or DEC + Albendazole + Ivermectin (IDA) in selected districts
Explanation
India's National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme uses annual MDA with DEC + Albendazole (DA) in most endemic districts. Since 2018–2019, triple drug therapy — DEC + Albendazole + Ivermectin (IDA) — has been implemented in selected high-burden districts to accelerate elimination, as IDA achieves higher microfilaremia clearance. MDA covers the entire endemic population (excluding pregnant women, infants under 2 years, and severely ill patients). India aims to eliminate LF by 2027.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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