An epidemiology team responds to a suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague in Himachal Pradesh. Which aminoglycoside is the classical drug of choice for plague and is also first-line for tularemia?
- A Gentamicin
- B Amikacin
- C Streptomycin ✓
- D Tobramycin
Correct answer: C. Streptomycin
Explanation
Streptomycin, the first aminoglycoside discovered, remains the classical treatment of choice for plague caused by Yersinia pestis and for tularemia caused by Francisella tularensis. Gentamicin is an accepted alternative and is often used in practice, but streptomycin retains the textbook first-line status in Indian exam convention. Amikacin is reserved for gentamicin-resistant Gram-negative infections, and tobramycin is preferred for Pseudomonas, neither of which defines these zoonoses.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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