What is the treatment of choice for benign teian malaria ?
**Core Concept**
Benign tertian malaria is caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite. The treatment of choice involves targeting the parasite's life cycle, particularly the erythrocytic stage, where the parasite multiplies within red blood cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The treatment of choice for benign tertian malaria is chloroquine, which acts by inhibiting heme polymerization in the parasite's digestive vacuole. This process prevents the parasite from converting toxic heme into a less toxic form, ultimately leading to the parasite's death. Chloroquine also has a synergistic effect when used in combination with primaquine, which targets the hypnozoite stage of the parasite, preventing relapse.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it does not target the erythrocytic stage of the parasite, making it ineffective against benign tertian malaria.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it is typically used for the treatment of severe malaria, not benign tertian malaria.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it is used as a prophylactic measure, not as a treatment for established malaria infection.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to note that primaquine should be used in conjunction with chloroquine to prevent relapse in benign tertian malaria, as it targets the hypnozoite stage of the parasite.
**Correct Answer: A. Chloroquine**