Problem 37 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

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

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The antibiotic used for treating tuberculosis is streptomycin.

Step 1: Understanding Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs but can affect other parts of the body. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Step 2: Identifying Treatments for TB

There are specific antibiotics used for the treatment of tuberculosis. The treatment involves a combination of drugs, and one of the primary antibiotics used is streptomycin.

Step 3: Evaluating Options

Review the options given: (a) Chloramphenicol: An antibiotic used for bacterial infections, but not typically for TB. (b) Aspirin: A pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug, not an antibiotic. (c) Streptomycin: An antibiotic specifically used in the treatment of tuberculosis. (d) Penicillin: An antibiotic for bacterial infections, but not used for TB.

Step 4: Final Answer

Based on the evaluation, streptomycin is the antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Key Concepts

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, although it can attack other organs in the body. The bacterium responsible for this disease is called *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. This pathogen is a small, aerobic, non-motile bacillus.
The bacteria are known for their slow replication rate, which means they can linger in the host body for a long time.
An infected individual might not show symptoms immediately. Instead, they can harbor the bacteria for years in what is called a latent form.
When the immune system weakens or fails, these latent bacteria can activate and multiply, leading to active tuberculosis. Recognizing the unique characteristics of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* is critical in understanding how tuberculosis spreads and how it can be combated.

Streptomycin

Streptomycin is an important antibiotic in the fight against tuberculosis. It falls under the category of aminoglycosides and was the first antibiotic effective against tuberculosis.
It works by targeting the bacterial ribosome. This prevents the bacteria from synthesizing proteins necessary for their growth and function.
While streptomycin was a breakthrough in TB treatment upon its discovery, it is usually part of a combination therapy. This is because the bacteria can develop resistance if streptomycin is used alone.
It’s important to note that streptomycin is administered via injection and not orally, due to its properties and the way it is absorbed and distributed in the body. Understanding how streptomycin works helps in realizing why it is still part of multi-drug regimens for TB today.

Antibiotics for TB

The treatment of tuberculosis requires a specific regimen of antibiotics due to the unique nature of the causative bacterium. Multiple drugs are used in combination to effectively combat the bacteria and prevent drug resistance.
Typically, the first-line treatment regimen for TB includes:

• Isoniazid
• Rifampicin
• Ethambutol
• Pyrazinamide

Streptomycin is reserved for specific cases or when other drugs cannot be used due to resistance or side effects.
It's crucial that patients adhere strictly to their prescribed treatment plans. Missing doses or stopping the medication too early can lead to drug-resistant strains of TB. As a public health challenge, effective use of antibiotics is key to controlling and eventually eradicating TB across the globe.