Consider the following: A 20-year-old dark man has hypopigmented macules over the chest, trunk and back. The KOH examination shows "spaghetti and meatball" appearance. Which of the following drugs will be appropriate in the oral treatment of this condition? 1. Terbinafine 2. Griseofulvin 3. Itraconazole 4. Ketoconazole Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Condition Diagnosis from KOH Test
The presence of hypopigmented macules on the chest, trunk, and back in a young adult, coupled with a KOH examination showing the characteristic "spaghetti and meatballs" appearance, strongly indicates Tinea versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor). This finding is due to the yeast Malassezia species.
Evaluating Oral Treatment Options
The question asks for appropriate oral treatment. Let's assess the provided drugs:
- Terbinafine (1): Primarily used for dermatophyte infections (like ringworm), not typically effective against Malassezia.
- Griseofulvin (2): Also targets dermatophytes and is ineffective for Malassezia infections.
- Itraconazole (3): An oral azole antifungal that is effective against Malassezia and is a suitable option for treating Tinea versicolor, especially in more severe or widespread cases.
- Ketoconazole (4): Another oral azole antifungal with activity against Malassezia. It is considered an appropriate, though sometimes less preferred due to side effects, oral treatment option for Tinea versicolor.
Conclusion on Appropriate Drugs
Based on the efficacy against Malassezia for oral treatment of Tinea versicolor, Itraconazole (3) and Ketoconazole (4) are the appropriate choices.
The correct option combines drugs 3 and 4.
Important Questions from Fungal Infections
- A 32-year old HIV infected male presents with shortness of breath and moderate fever of two- week duration. On examination, cyanosis is present, with respiratory rate of 22/minute and some basal crackles in chest. The CT chest shows bilateral ground-glass pattern. The most likely etiologic diagnosis is:
- Cryptococcal infection is acquired through:
- Echinocandins are a class of:
- Antifungal agent of choice for the treatment of mucormycosis is:
- Consider the following statements with regard to Amphotericin B :
1. It is a narrow spectrum antifungal agent.
2. It can cause nephrotoxicity.
3. It lacks an oral preparation.
4. Its lipid formulations are less toxic.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
