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The First-line tuberculosis drugs include:

  • A. Isoniazid and rifampicin
  • B. Penicillin and erythromycin
  • C. Trimethoprim and third generation cephalosporins
  • D. All the listed above can be used depending on their resistance profile
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Isoniazid and rifampicin. These drugs are considered first-line treatment for tuberculosis due to their high efficacy and low toxicity. Isoniazid targets the cell wall of the tuberculosis bacteria, while rifampicin inhibits RNA synthesis. They are recommended by WHO as the first choice for treating tuberculosis.

Choice B (Penicillin and erythromycin) is incorrect because these antibiotics are not effective against tuberculosis bacteria.

Choice C (Trimethoprim and third generation cephalosporins) is incorrect because they are not considered first-line drugs for tuberculosis treatment.

Choice D (All the listed above can be used depending on their resistance profile) is incorrect because only isoniazid and rifampicin are universally recognized as first-line drugs for tuberculosis regardless of resistance profile.