True statements regarding falciparum malaria are all the following durgs except –
**Core Concept**
Falciparum malaria is a severe form of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which requires effective antimalarial therapy to prevent complications and death. The parasite's ability to cause severe disease is due to its high virulence and ability to invade all types of red blood cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is the drug that is not effective against falciparum malaria. Falciparum malaria is typically treated with antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), quinine, and mefloquine. These drugs work by inhibiting the parasite's 80S ribosome or interfering with its metabolic pathways.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is an effective antimalarial drug against falciparum malaria. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is a first-line treatment for falciparum malaria due to its high efficacy and rapid action.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is also an effective antimalarial drug against falciparum malaria. Quinine has been used for centuries to treat malaria and is still effective against falciparum malaria, although it has more side effects than newer drugs like ACT.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not effective against falciparum malaria. Chloroquine is a weak base that accumulates in the acidic food vacuole of the parasite, but falciparum malaria has developed resistance to chloroquine in many parts of the world.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Chloroquine resistance in falciparum malaria is a major public health concern, and its use should be restricted to areas where the parasite is still susceptible.
**Correct Answer: D. Chloroquine.**