NPLEX II Pharmacology Practice Test

Metronidazole is an antiprotozoal effective against which organisms?

Malaria Candidiasis HSV infection Amoebiasis and Giardia

Correct Answer:

Amoebiasis and Giardia

Explanation:

Metronidazole works best against anaerobic protozoa because it is activated inside anaerobic cells and converts into reactive metabolites that damage DNA. This mechanism makes it particularly effective for infections caused by amoebae and Giardia, such as amoebiasis and giardiasis. It also targets other anaerobic protozoa like Trichomonas, which fits the same principle. It isn’t used for malaria, which is caused by Plasmodium and requires different antimalarial drugs; it’s not effective against Candida (a fungus) or herpes simplex virus infections (viruses). So amoebiasis and giardiasis are the infections metronidazole is best suited to treat.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to NPLEX II Pharmacology Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions