Communicable diseases: triple drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis: practice question

A PSM 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.

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PSM · Communicable diseases: triple drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis

Sample item

In districts using triple-drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis, which three drugs are given together as a single annual dose?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. DEC, albendazole and ivermectin

The triple-drug regimen adds ivermectin to the standard annual diethylcarbamazine and albendazole combination used in mass drug administration. It clears microfilaraemia faster. Praziquantel is for schistosomiasis and doxycycline is used for morbidity management.

Option by option

  • A. DEC, albendazole and doxycycline

    Doxycycline targets Wolbachia and is not part of the MDA combination.

  • B. DEC, ivermectin and praziquantel

    Praziquantel has no activity against filarial worms.

  • C. Albendazole, ivermectin and mebendazole

    Mebendazole duplicates albendazole and there is no DEC to clear microfilariae.

  • D. DEC, albendazole and ivermectin (correct)

    Correct. Ivermectin is added to DEC and albendazole.

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 PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, DEC, albendazole and ivermectin. The triple-drug regimen adds ivermectin to the standard annual diethylcarbamazine and albendazole combination used in mass drug administration.

Why is "DEC, albendazole and doxycycline" not the answer?

Doxycycline targets Wolbachia and is not part of the MDA combination.

Why is "DEC, ivermectin and praziquantel" not the answer?

Praziquantel has no activity against filarial worms.

Why is "Albendazole, ivermectin and mebendazole" not the answer?

Mebendazole duplicates albendazole and there is no DEC to clear microfilariae.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: triple drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis in PSM. It clears microfilaraemia faster. Praziquantel is for schistosomiasis and doxycycline is used for morbidity management.

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 Communicable diseases: triple drug therapy for lymphatic filariasis?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM 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.