Question

Chloramphenicol is used to treat (a) dysentery (b) typhoid (c) acute fever (d) all

Short answer

Chloramphenicol is used to treat (b) typhoid.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Chloramphenicol's Uses

Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic that is particularly effective against a range of bacterial infections. Before determining which conditions it is used to treat, let's note that it is historically well-regarded for its effectiveness against typhoid fever.

Evaluating Each Option

Let's consider each condition individually: - (a) Dysentery: This involves infection of the intestines, often by bacteria, but chloramphenicol is not commonly used as the primary treatment. - (b) Typhoid: Caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, treatment often includes chloramphenicol, making this option correct. - (c) Acute fever: This is a symptom of various conditions, not a specific illness itself. - (d) All: This option assumes chloramphenicol treats all the conditions listed, which isn't accurate given the antibiotic's specific targeting of typhoid.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Given the above analysis, option (b) typhoid is the condition for which chloramphenicol is primarily used. The other options either involve varied treatments or are not specific conditions attributable to chloramphenicol’s usage profile.

Key concepts

Antibiotic Treatment

Antibiotic treatment refers to the use of antibiotics, which are powerful medicines, to fight bacterial infections. These drugs work by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. This stops infections and helps the body’s immune system to regain control. Using antibiotics correctly is crucial to prevent antibiotic resistance, a serious issue where bacteria mutate and become less susceptible to medication. Chloramphenicol is one such antibiotic. Originally derived from the bacterium _Streptomyces venezuelae_, it has become known for its ability to treat severe infections.

• Antibiotics are tailored to target specific bacteria.
• They can be broad-spectrum, affecting a wide range of bacteria, or narrow-spectrum, focusing on specific species.

Chloramphenicol is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic, effective against a wide variety of bacteria.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are illnesses caused by harmful bacteria entering the body. They can lead to minor issues like sore throats or severe diseases such as pneumonia or meningitis. The signs and symptoms depend on which body part is infected, and may include redness, swelling, warmth, fever, and pain. For example, an infection in your skin might cause swelling and redness, while a lung infection could cause coughing, trouble breathing, and fever.

• Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can be found almost everywhere.
• They can be transmitted through air, water, food, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
• Common ways bacteria enter the body include cuts, inhalation, or through ingestion of contaminated food.
• Treatment often involves antibiotics, like chloramphenicol for specific infections.

Managing bacterial infections effectively requires accurately diagnosing the type of bacteria involved, which informs the best treatment approach.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the _Salmonella typhi_ bacterium. It is primarily spread through contaminated food and water. Once inside the body, the bacteria multiply and spread, leading to high fever, fatigue, headache, and abdominal pain.

• Symptoms typically appear 6-30 days after exposure.
• Without treatment, typhoid can lead to complications or even death.
• Prevention includes vaccination, safe drinking water, and good sanitation practices.

Chloramphenicol was historically the first choice for treating typhoid fever, especially before the rise of antibiotic resistance.
Although alternatives exist due to resistant strains, chloramphenicol remains a potent tool in places where these newer antibiotics are less accessible. Vaccination and improved hygiene are key to typhoid fever prevention, but antibiotics remain crucial for treating infections when they occur.