A district in India is endemic for lymphatic filariasis and begins Mass Drug Administration under NVBDCP. The recommended regimen and minimum duration of annual MDA rounds are:
- A Single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine plus albendazole for at least 5 years with adequate coverage ✓
- B Single annual dose of ivermectin alone for 3 years
- C Daily diethylcarbamazine for 12 days repeated every year for 10 years
- D Single annual dose of praziquantel plus albendazole for 5 years
Correct answer: A. Single annual dose of diethylcarbamazine plus albendazole for at least 5 years with adequate coverage
Explanation
The NVBDCP strategy for lymphatic filariasis elimination uses annual single-dose co-administration of diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole to the entire eligible population for a minimum of five years, with coverage sufficient to interrupt transmission, followed by post-MDA surveillance. Ivermectin is added to form triple-drug IDA therapy in selected settings to accelerate elimination, but ivermectin alone was never the standard Indian regimen. Praziquantel targets schistosomes and cestodes, not filarial parasites.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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