Communicable diseases: yaws treatment strategy: 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: yaws treatment strategy

Sample item

Under the WHO strategy for eradication of yaws, which single-dose oral antibiotic is used for total community treatment?

AAlbendazoleBRifampicinCAzithromycinDIvermectin

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Azithromycin

Yaws is caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue. A single oral dose of azithromycin, 30 mg/kg, is used in total community treatment under the Morges strategy. India was declared free of yaws in 2016.

Option by option

A. Albendazole
Albendazole is an anthelmintic with no antibacterial action.
B. Rifampicin
Rifampicin is used for tuberculosis and leprosy and not for treponemal disease.
C. Azithromycin (correct)
Correct. Single-dose azithromycin is the oral drug of choice.
D. Ivermectin
Ivermectin acts on nematodes and ectoparasites, not on treponemes.

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.

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Azithromycin. Yaws is caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.

Why is "Albendazole" not the answer?

Albendazole is an anthelmintic with no antibacterial action.

Why is "Rifampicin" not the answer?

Rifampicin is used for tuberculosis and leprosy and not for treponemal disease.

Why is "Ivermectin" not the answer?

Ivermectin acts on nematodes and ectoparasites, not on treponemes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: yaws treatment strategy in PSM. A single oral dose of azithromycin, 30 mg/kg, is used in total community treatment under the Morges strategy. India was declared free of yaws in 2016.

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: yaws treatment strategy?

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.