Despite the success of sulfonamides, the real revolution in antibacterial therapy began with the discovery of Alexander Fleming in 1929, of the antibacterial properties of a Penicillium fungus. Isolation and purification of active compound to accumulate sufficient material for clinical trials took thirteen years. Antibiotics have either cidal (killing) effect or a static (inhibitory) effect on microbes. A few examples of the two types of antibiotics are as follows:

The range of bacteria or other microorganisms that are affected by a certain antibiotic is expressed as its spectrum of action. Antibiotics which kill or inhibit a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are said to be broad spectrum antibiotics. Those effective mainly against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria are narrow spectrum antibiotics.

Which antibiotic is used to treat tuberculosis?

Streptomycin

The correct answer is option 3. Streptomycin.

The antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis is Streptomycin.

Streptomycin for Tuberculosis Treatment:

Streptomycin belongs to the class of antibiotics known as aminoglycosides. Streptomycin is one of the first antibiotics discovered to be effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB).

Role in Tuberculosis Treatment:

First-Line Drug: Streptomycin is classified as a first-line drug for the treatment of tuberculosis. It is included in the standard multidrug treatment regimens recommended by health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Combination Therapy: Streptomycin is often used in combination with other antibiotics, such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, to form a multidrug regimen. This combination therapy is crucial for effective treatment and for preventing the development of drug-resistant TB.

Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis: Streptomycin is particularly effective against drug-sensitive strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which are susceptible to the drug's action.

Mechanism of Action: Streptomycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the bacterial ribosome, specifically to the 30S subunit, disrupting the translation process and leading to the inhibition of protein synthesis in the bacterium.

Administration: Streptomycin is usually administered via intramuscular injection, although it can also be given intravenously in certain cases.

Side Effects: Streptomycin can cause various side effects, including ototoxicity (damage to the inner ear leading to hearing loss or balance problems) and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage). Regular monitoring of patients receiving streptomycin is essential to detect and manage these potential adverse effects.

Streptomycin is an essential antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is classified as a first-line drug and is included in combination therapy regimens for the treatment of drug-sensitive tuberculosis. Streptomycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, it can cause side effects such as ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, requiring careful monitoring during treatment.