The National Programme for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis introduced the triple-drug regimen (IDA) for Mass Drug Administration in selected districts. Which drug was ADDED to the earlier two-drug regimen of diethylcarbamazine and albendazole?

• A Levamisole
• B Praziquantel
• C Doxycycline
• D Ivermectin ✓

Explanation

The original MDA regimen used a single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine citrate (6 mg/kg) plus albendazole 400 mg. The triple-drug IDA regimen adds a single dose of ivermectin (about 200 microgram/kg), which clears microfilariae faster and shortens the time needed to interrupt transmission. Doxycycline targets Wolbachia but requires weeks of therapy and is not part of MDA. Praziquantel and levamisole have no activity against filarial parasites.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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