Pharmacology · Antibacterial Spectrum (Aminoglycosides, Macrolides, Tetracyclines, Metronidazole)

A laboratory confirms Yersinia pestis from a bubo aspirate of a 24-year-old shepherd with fever and painful inguinal nodes. Which agent is the classical parenteral drug of choice for plague?

  • A Demeclocycline
  • B Erythromycin
  • C Metronidazole
  • D Streptomycin
Correct answer: D. Streptomycin

Explanation

Streptomycin remains the classical parenteral drug of choice for plague, with gentamicin as an accepted alternative. Its retained niche indications alongside tularemia reflect excellent activity against these organisms despite limited general use now because of toxicity and resistance. Macrolides have poor activity against Yersinia pestis, metronidazole is inactive against aerobes, and demeclocycline is not an antiplague agent.

Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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