Drug of choice for cerebral malaria is:-
**Core Concept**
Cerebral malaria is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. The pathogenesis involves sequestration of infected erythrocytes in the cerebral microvasculature, leading to inflammation, microvascular obstruction, and eventual brain damage.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The drug of choice for cerebral malaria is Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), specifically Artemether-Lumefantrine. This combination acts synergistically to rapidly reduce parasite load and prevent further complications. Artemether is a fast-acting artemisinin derivative that rapidly clears parasites from the circulation, while Lumefantrine provides a longer-lasting effect to ensure complete clearance of the parasite.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Chloroquine is not effective against Plasmodium falciparum and would not be suitable for treating cerebral malaria.
**Option B:** Quinine is an older antimalarial agent that is still used in some cases, but it is not the preferred treatment for cerebral malaria due to its slower onset of action and potential side effects.
**Option C:** Mefloquine is an antimalarial agent that can be used for prophylaxis and treatment of malaria, but it is not the first-line treatment for cerebral malaria.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) is the preferred treatment for severe malaria, including cerebral malaria, due to its rapid onset of action and high efficacy.
**Correct Answer:** C. Artemether-Lumefantrine