Antimalarial of choice in a pregnant woman (I timester) who is chloroquine resistant is?
**Core Concept**
Chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum poses a significant challenge in treating malaria during pregnancy. The chosen antimalarial should have a favorable safety profile for the fetus while effectively treating the infection.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The preferred antimalarial in this scenario is Quinine, often used in combination with doxycycline or clindamycin. Quinine acts by inhibiting the parasite's heme polymerase enzyme, disrupting the parasite's ability to detoxify heme. This results in the accumulation of toxic heme within the parasite, ultimately leading to its death.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Mefloquine is generally avoided in the first trimester due to potential teratogenic effects.
* **Option B:** Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are not typically recommended in the first trimester due to limited data on their safety.
* **Option C:** Primaquine is contraindicated in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, due to the risk of hemolytic anemia in the fetus.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When treating malaria in pregnancy, it is essential to consider the gestational age and the presence of any underlying medical conditions that may affect treatment choices.
**Correct Answer: D. Quinine**