Paper II
2022 February (2019 Scheme) · 100 marks · 180 min

Question

Explain chemoprophylaxis with examples. Write two different HIV prophylaxis regimens. (4+4)

Q48 marksShort Essays

Answer

Chemoprophylaxis The administration of a drug to prevent infection (or its progression) in an exposed but not-yet-infected/asymptomatic individual, distinct from treatment of established disease. Examples: isoniazid for close contacts of tuberculosis (or latent TB infection), chloroquine/doxycycline before travel to a malaria-endemic area, benzathine penicillin for recurrent rheumatic fever prevention, cotrimoxazole for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prevention in HIV, and post-exposure antiretroviral prophylaxis after needle-stick injury.

Two HIV prophylaxis regimens

  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — daily Tenofovir + Emtricitabine, for HIV-negative individuals at ongoing high risk of exposure, taken continuously to prevent acquisition.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — a combination antiretroviral regimen (e.g. Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir), started within 72 hours of a high-risk exposure (needle-stick, sexual assault) and continued for 28 days, to prevent establishment of infection after a known/suspected exposure.

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