Schistosomiasis Drug of Choice Identification
Schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever, is a parasitic disease caused by flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Effective treatment relies on specific antiparasitic drugs.
Evaluating Medication Options for Schistosomiasis
The selection of the appropriate medication is crucial for treating all forms of Schistosomiasis effectively. Let's examine the provided options:
- Niclosamide: Primarily used for treating tapeworm infections (cestodiasis). It has limited efficacy against Schistosoma parasites.
- Ivermectin: Effective against many nematode (roundworm) infections and some ectoparasites. It is not the recommended treatment for Schistosomiasis.
- Albendazole: A broad-spectrum anthelmintic effective against various roundworm and some tapeworm infections. While sometimes used in specific parasitic conditions, it is not the primary drug of choice for Schistosomiasis compared to other options.
- Praziquantel: This drug is highly effective against the adult worms of most species of Schistosoma that cause human disease. It is considered the gold standard and the drug of choice for treating all forms of Schistosomiasis due to its broad efficacy and good safety profile.
Conclusion on Schistosomiasis Treatment
Based on its established efficacy and recommendation for various Schistosoma species, Praziquantel stands out as the definitive treatment choice.
Important Questions from Metazoan Infections
- Which among the following is the first intermediate host for the parasitic fluke Clonorchis sinensis?
Which among the following are hepatobiliary flukes (trematodes)?
1. Clonorchis sinensis
2. Mansonella perstans
3. Fasciola hepatica
4. Opisthorchis felineus
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Which among the following parasitic helminths is a nematode and has zoonotic transmission?
Which of the following statements are correct in respect of scabies?
1. Male mite Sarcoptes scabiei are commonly transferred from an infected person to a non-infected person.
2. Norwegian scabies occur in immunodeficient patients.
3. Permethrin cream (5%) is used for treatment.
4. Pruritus intensifies at night and after hot shower.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Consider the following statements with regard to cysticercosis :
1. It may present as personality change.
2. Subcutaneous nodule may excised for histology.
3. Cerebral signs commonly do not occur until the larvae die, 5-20 years later.
4. Praziquantel can be given for 10 days.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
