Infestations: onchocerciasis: practice question

A Dermatology 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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Dermatology · Infestations: onchocerciasis

Sample item

A patient from an endemic African region has subcutaneous nodules, severe itching with lichenified skin, depigmentation over the shins and visual impairment. Which drug is used for mass treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ivermectin

Onchocerca volvulus is transmitted by Simulium blackflies and causes dermatitis, leopard skin and river blindness. Annual ivermectin kills microfilariae and is used for community treatment.

Option by option

  • A. Rifampicin

    Rifampicin treats mycobacterial infection.

  • B. Griseofulvin

    Griseofulvin is an antifungal.

  • C. Ivermectin (correct)

    Correct. Ivermectin is the mass treatment drug.

  • D. Praziquantel

    Praziquantel is used for schistosomiasis and cestodes.

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 Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Ivermectin. Onchocerca volvulus is transmitted by Simulium blackflies and causes dermatitis, leopard skin and river blindness.

Why is "Rifampicin" not the answer?

Rifampicin treats mycobacterial infection.

Why is "Griseofulvin" not the answer?

Griseofulvin is an antifungal.

Why is "Praziquantel" not the answer?

Praziquantel is used for schistosomiasis and cestodes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infestations: onchocerciasis in Dermatology. Annual ivermectin kills microfilariae and is used for community treatment.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Infestations: onchocerciasis?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology 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.