Anthelmintic Agents Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is primarily known for its action against certain parasitic infections, particularly lymphatic filariasis, by targeting microfilariae rather than adult worms. The mechanisms of action associated with DEC include altering the surface of microfilariae, which enhances their detection and clearance by the immune system, and immobilizing these parasites, which assists in their removal from circulation. Additionally, DEC promotes necrosis in microfilariae by inducing immune responses that attack these parasites.

The option that is not associated with the action of diethylcarbamazine is the paralysis of adult worms. While some anthelmintic agents work by causing paralysis in adult worms to facilitate their expulsion from the host's body, DEC does not target adult worms in this manner. Instead, its effectiveness primarily lies in affecting the microfilariae stage of the life cycle along with promoting an immune response, making the statement regarding paralysis of adult worms inaccurate in the context of DEC's mechanisms.