Which of the following approaches would be most likely to cause evolution of a drug-resistant strain of Plasmodium?
A) widespread, frequent spraying to kill mosquitoes
B) use of a cocktail of three drugs in patients suffering from malaria
C) widespread, frequent use of a single drug in patients suffering from malaria
D) widespread use of anti-mosquito bed nets

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Widespread, frequent use of a single drug in patients suffering from malaria is most likely to cause the evolution of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium. This is because the drug eliminates the susceptible strains of the parasite, but allows the growth and reproduction of any resistant strains that may be present. Over time, these resistant strains will become more prevalent in the population, leading to the evolution of a drug-resistant strain. The other options - A, B, and D - are unlikely to cause the evolution of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium. Option A, the widespread, frequent spraying to kill mosquitoes, would reduce the prevalence of malaria, but would not directly influence the evolution of drug-resistant strains of the parasite. Option B, the use of a cocktail of three drugs, is designed to prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains by targeting the parasite with multiple drugs at once. Option D, the widespread use of anti-mosquito bed nets, would prevent the transmission of the disease to humans, but would not directly influence the evolution of drug-resistant strains of the parasite.

Which of the Following Approaches Would Be Most Likely to Cause