10 Questions
What is the mechanism of action of Aminoquinoline antimalarials such as Chloroquine?
Aminoquinoline antimalarials inhibit the activity of an enzyme heme polymerase in malarial trophozoites, preventing the conversion of heme to hemozoin and leading to the accumulation of poisonous heme, eventually killing the parasite.
What parasites do Aminoquinoline antimalarials act against?
Aminoquinoline antimalarials act against all malarial parasites, especially Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax, and all strains of Plasmodium falciparum.
What is the clinical use of Aminoquinoline antimalarials?
Aminoquinoline antimalarials are indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium vivax. They are also used for prophylaxis of malaria in geographic areas where chloroquine resistance is not reported.
What is the length of treatment for Aminoquinoline antimalarials?
The length of treatment can vary depending on the specific drug, the severity of the infection, and the patient’s response to treatment.
What enzyme do Aminoquinoline antimalarials inhibit in malarial trophozoites?
Aminoquinoline antimalarials inhibit the activity of an enzyme heme polymerase in malarial trophozoites.
What is the mechanism of action of folic acid antagonists in the treatment of malaria?
Folic acid antagonists work by inhibiting the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, leading to impaired DNA synthesis and cell replication in the malaria parasite.
What is the clinical use of antifolate antimalarial drugs?
Antifolate antimalarial drugs are used for prophylaxis and treatment of malaria, particularly in endemic areas, and are often the first-line drugs for uncomplicated malaria in many parts of Africa.
Why is folic acid essential for the survival and growth of the malaria parasite?
Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis, which is crucial for the survival and growth of the malaria parasite.
How does the inhibition of the folate pathway by antifolates lead to the death of the malaria parasite?
The inhibition of the folate pathway disrupts DNA synthesis and cell replication in the malaria parasite, ultimately resulting in its death.
What factors can affect the length of treatment with antifolate antimalarial drugs?
The length of treatment can vary depending on the specific drug used, the severity of the infection, and the patient’s response to treatment.
Study Notes
Aminoquinoline Antimalarials
- Mechanism of action: Accumulation of hemoglobin-derived peptides and inhibition of heme detoxification, leading to the formation of toxic heme-filled vacuoles, ultimately causing parasite death
- Active against: Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae
- Clinical use: Treatment of uncomplicated malaria, including prophylaxis
- Length of treatment: 1-2 weeks, depending on the specific drug and clinical presentation
- Inhibits: Heme polymerase enzyme in malarial trophozoites, preventing the formation of inert hemozoin
Folic Acid Antagonists
- Mechanism of action: Inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme necessary for the conversion of folate to its active form, leading to disruption of de novo nucleic acid synthesis and ultimately, parasite death
- Clinical use: Treatment of malaria, particularly in areas where resistance to other antimalarials is high
- Folic acid's role: Essential for the survival and growth of the malaria parasite, as it's necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division
- Inhibition of folate pathway: Leads to the depletion of nucleotides, ultimately causing parasite death due to the inability to synthesize DNA and RNA
- Factors affecting treatment length: Patient age, parasite resistance, and severity of infection
Test your knowledge of antimalarial drugs with this quiz! Explore the mechanism of action, uses, and effectiveness of Aminoquinoline Group antimalarials like Chloroquine. Sharpen your understanding of how these drugs treat and prevent malaria.
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