Which drug is used to treat Leishmaniasis?

Which drug is used to treat Leishmaniasis?

• A. Praziquantel
• B. Sodium stibogluconate
• C. Metronidazole
• D. Chloroquine

Answer: (B)

Treating Leishmaniasis relies on drugs that target the Leishmania parasite; a longstanding and widely used option is sodium stibogluconate, a pentavalent antimonial compound. It has broad activity against many Leishmania species and forms of disease (both visceral and cutaneous), making it a common first-line treatment in many regions. The medication works by disrupting the parasite’s energy metabolism and replication, helping clear infection, and is usually given by intramuscular or intravenous administration under supervision. Because of potential serious toxicities—such as pancreatic, liver, and heart effects—patients require careful monitoring and dose management. In some settings or for certain cases, alternatives like amphotericin B or miltefosine may be used, but sodium stibogluconate remains a classic option. Other drugs mentioned—praziquantel, metronidazole, and chloroquine—target different pathogens (helminths, anaerobic bacteria/protozoa, and malaria respectively) and are not standard treatments for Leishmaniasis.

Treating Leishmaniasis relies on drugs that target the Leishmania parasite; a longstanding and widely used option is sodium stibogluconate, a pentavalent antimonial compound. It has broad activity against many Leishmania species and forms of disease (both visceral and cutaneous), making it a common first-line treatment in many regions. The medication works by disrupting the parasite’s energy metabolism and replication, helping clear infection, and is usually given by intramuscular or intravenous administration under supervision. Because of potential serious toxicities—such as pancreatic, liver, and heart effects—patients require careful monitoring and dose management. In some settings or for certain cases, alternatives like amphotericin B or miltefosine may be used, but sodium stibogluconate remains a classic option. Other drugs mentioned—praziquantel, metronidazole, and chloroquine—target different pathogens (helminths, anaerobic bacteria/protozoa, and malaria respectively) and are not standard treatments for Leishmaniasis.