Community ophthalmology: onchocerciasis: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Ophthalmology · Community ophthalmology: onchocerciasis

Sample item

Which drug is used for mass treatment of river blindness?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Ivermectin

Onchocerca volvulus is spread by the blackfly Simulium and causes keratitis and uveitis. Annual or biannual ivermectin reduces microfilarial load and transmission.

Option by option

  • A. Azithromycin

    Azithromycin is used for trachoma.

  • B. Ivermectin (correct)

    Correct. Ivermectin is used for onchocerciasis control.

  • C. Albendazole alone

    Albendazole alone is not effective against onchocerciasis.

  • D. Praziquantel

    Praziquantel is for schistosomiasis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is B, Ivermectin. Onchocerca volvulus is spread by the blackfly Simulium and causes keratitis and uveitis.

Why is "Azithromycin" not the answer?

Azithromycin is used for trachoma.

Why is "Albendazole alone" not the answer?

Albendazole alone is not effective against onchocerciasis.

Why is "Praziquantel" not the answer?

Praziquantel is for schistosomiasis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community ophthalmology: onchocerciasis in Ophthalmology. Annual or biannual ivermectin reduces microfilarial load and transmission.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Community ophthalmology: onchocerciasis?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.