Mass drug administration rounds are being planned in a district endemic for lymphatic filariasis under NVBDCP. Which drug combination and schedule constitutes the standard MDA regimen?
- A Single annual dose of ivermectin plus praziquantel for three years
- B Daily diethylcarbamazine for twelve days, repeated every six months for two years
- C Single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine plus albendazole for a minimum of five years ✓
- D Weekly albendazole alone for one year
Correct answer: C. Single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine plus albendazole for a minimum of five years
Explanation
The WHO-endorsed and NVBDCP-implemented regimen for interruption of lymphatic filariasis transmission is a single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine citrate combined with albendazole, given to the entire eligible population for at least five consecutive years, matching the lifespan of the adult worm. Some districts have shifted to triple drug IDA therapy adding ivermectin, but the classic examined answer remains DEC plus albendazole.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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