Karnataka PGET 2007 Pharmacology MCQ Answer 02

The correct answer is C

Hypnozoite: Dormant form of malaria parasites found in liver cells. Hypnozoites occur only with Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale. After sporozoites (inoculated by the mosquito) invade liver cells, some sporozoites develop into dormant forms (the hypnozoites), which do not cause any symptoms. Hypnozoites can become activated months or years after the initial infection, producing a relapse.

Radical cure: (also: radical treatment) Complete elimination of malaria parasites from the body; the term applies specifically to elimination of dormant liver stage parasites (hypnozoites) found in Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale.

Primaquine is mainly used to treat the P. vivax or P. ovale malaria. Once the parasite has been eliminated from the bloodstream, the remaining hypnozoites must be removed from the liver and this is done by administering a 14 day course of primaquine (called radical cure).

Category: Karnataka PGET 2007 MCQs