Genitourinary System Diseases Related

Review Genitourinary System Diseases related questions and content

A patient with HIV-AIDS being treated with combined antiviral drugs and * immunosuppressive agents, develops an opportunistic infection caused by Pneumocystis caranii. Which of the following drugs most likely be used in the treatment of pulmonary infection caused by P, caranii?

  • A. Metronidazole
  • B. Carbenicillin
  • C. Trimthoprim /Sulfametoxazole
  • D. Penicillin G
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole. This combination is the first-line treatment for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with HIV-AIDS due to its efficacy against the organism. Trimethoprim inhibits bacterial folic acid synthesis, while sulfamethoxazole inhibits bacterial dihydrofolic acid formation. These drugs work synergistically to target different steps in the folic acid synthesis pathway of Pneumocystis carinii, leading to its effective eradication. Metronidazole (A) is used for anaerobic bacterial infections, Carbenicillin (B) is a penicillin derivative mainly used for Gram-negative bacteria, and Penicillin G (D) is not effective against Pneumocystis carinii.