What is a common treatment for malaria infection?

Study for the Harr Parasitology Exam. Review multiple-choice questions with hints and comprehensive explanations. Ace your certification!

Chloroquine is widely recognized as a common treatment for malaria infection, particularly for certain types of malaria caused by Plasmodium species. This antimalarial medication works by interfering with the parasite's ability to metabolize and utilize hemoglobin, which is essential for its survival and replication within red blood cells.

In regions where chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria have developed, other antimalarial drugs or combinations, such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), may be recommended. However, chloroquine remains an effective treatment in many areas and is often the first line of defense against uncomplicated malaria.

The other options mentioned—amoxicillin, ibuprofen, and acyclovir—serve different medical purposes. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain relief and inflammation, and acyclovir is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat viral infections such as herpes. Thus, these options do not address malaria, highlighting why chloroquine is the appropriate choice for treating this particular parasitic infection.

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