14 Questions
Which types of diseases are antiprotozoal drugs used for?
Protozoal infections
What is the causative agent of amebiasis?
Entamoeba histolytica
How is the diagnosis of amebiasis established?
By isolating Entamoeba histolytica from feces
What is the significance of therapy for asymptomatic carriers of E. histolytica?
It may prevent future infections in the carrier and potential infection of others
How are therapeutic agents for amebiasis classified according to their site of action?
Systemic amebicides are effective against amebas in the intestinal wall and liver
Why are antiprotozoal drugs less easily treated than bacterial infections?
They have serious toxic effects in the host, particularly on cells showing high metabolic activity
What is the drug of choice for treating amebic infections?
Metronidazole
Which drug is used for the treatment of infections caused by Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, anaerobic cocci, and anaerobic gram-negative bacilli?
Metronidazole
Which drug is a prodrug that is reduced intracellularly by anaerobic bacteria to its active form?
Metronidazole
Which drug is as effective as metronidazole for the treatment of amebiasis, with a shorter course of treatment but is more expensive?
Tinidazole
Which luminal agent is effective against the luminal trophozoite and cyst forms of E. histolytica?
Iodoquinol
Which drug should be avoided during therapy due to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction if taken with alcohol?
Metronidazole
Which drug can lead to dose-related peripheral neuropathy, including a rare optic neuritis as an adverse effect?
Iodoquinol
Which drug is completely and rapidly absorbed after oral administration and can be found in various bodily fluids such as vaginal and seminal fluids, saliva, breast milk, and cerebrospinal fluid?
Metronidazole
Study Notes
Antiprotozoal Drugs and Their Uses
- Antiprotozoal drugs are used to treat protozoal infections such as amebiasis, giardiasis, and trichomoniasis.
Amebiasis
- Amebiasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica).
- Diagnosis of amebiasis is established by detection of E. histolytica cysts or trophozoites in stool samples, or by serological tests.
Significance of Therapy for Asymptomatic Carriers
- Therapy for asymptomatic carriers of E. histolytica is significant as these individuals can act as reservoirs of infection and transmit the parasite to others.
Classification of Therapeutic Agents for Amebiasis
- Therapeutic agents for amebiasis are classified according to their site of action: luminal agents (active against luminal trophozoites and cysts) and tissue agents (active against tissue trophozoites).
Challenges in Treating Protozoal Infections
- Protozoal infections are often more difficult to treat than bacterial infections due to the unique biology of protozoa.
Treatment of Amebic Infections
- Metronidazole is the drug of choice for treating amebic infections.
- Tinidazole is as effective as metronidazole for the treatment of amebiasis, with a shorter course of treatment, but is more expensive.
Treatment of Other Protozoal Infections
- Metronidazole is also used for the treatment of infections caused by Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, anaerobic cocci, and anaerobic gram-negative bacilli.
- Ornidazole is a prodrug that is reduced intracellularly by anaerobic bacteria to its active form.
Important Safety Considerations
- Metronidazole should be avoided during therapy due to the risk of a disulfiram-like reaction if taken with alcohol.
- Prolonged or high-dose treatment with metronidazole can lead to dose-related peripheral neuropathy, including a rare optic neuritis as an adverse effect.
- Tinidazole is completely and rapidly absorbed after oral administration and can be found in various bodily fluids such as vaginal and seminal fluids, saliva, breast milk, and cerebrospinal fluid.
Test your knowledge of antiprotozoal drugs with this quiz covering an overview of drugs used to treat protozoal diseases, their toxic effects, and the treatment of specific conditions like amebiasis, malaria, trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, and giardiasis.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
