Question

Which of the following is used for the treatment of tuberculosis? (a) chloramphenicol (b) aspirin (c) streptomycin (d) pencillin

Short answer

Streptomycin is used for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Disease

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs and can be very serious if not treated properly. Treatment of TB requires specific antibiotics that target this type of bacteria.

Identifying TB Treatment Options

The options provided are different types of drugs with various uses. We have: - **Chloramphenicol**: an antibiotic used for bacterial infections, but not commonly for TB. - **Aspirin**: a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever, not an antibiotic. - **Streptomycin**: an antibiotic that is one of the first drugs used to effectively treat TB. - **Penicillin**: a group of antibiotics effective against a variety of bacterial infections, but not specifically for TB.

Choosing the Correct Option

Since streptomycin is known to be used specifically in the treatment of tuberculosis, it is the correct option among the choices given.

Key concepts

Tuberculosis Treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects your lungs, but it can spread to other parts of your body like the brain and spine. The main goal of TB treatment is to cure the patient and prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a long period. This is necessary because the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which causes TB, can be resistant and hard to eradicate. A structured regimen of drugs, often referred to as DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course), is employed to ensure adherence and effectiveness. This approach helps combat the bacteria and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.
Common antibiotics used in TB treatment include:

• Isoniazid (INH)
• Rifampicin (RIF)
• Ethambutol (EMB)
• Pyrazinamide (PZA)
• Streptomycin

Early and complete treatment is crucial in controlling the spread of TB and reducing the risk of complications.

Streptomycin

Streptomycin is an antibiotic that was one of the first effective treatments for tuberculosis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoglycosides, which are derived from a microorganism called Streptomyces.
The discovery of streptomycin was significant in combating TB as it marked the beginning of effective TB treatment regimens. Streptomycin works by inhibiting the protein synthesis of bacteria, which ultimately leads to their death. This helps in reducing the number of bacteria rapidly in a person's system, thus alleviating symptoms and decreasing the spread to others.
In modern medical practice, it is often used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent resistance and ensure comprehensive treatment, especially for cases that are resistant to other drugs.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. It is a specific type of bacterium with unique features that make it challenging to treat. These bacteria are rod-shaped and have a waxy cell wall, making them more resilient to traditional antibiotics and staining techniques in laboratories.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily targets the lungs, but it can also affect any other part of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain. The bacteria are commonly spread through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The resilience of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is why a specific and prolonged course of antibiotics is necessary for treatment. Its capacity to remain dormant in the body and reactivate later makes it a serious public health challenge, emphasizing the need for effective monitoring and treatment protocols.