Genitourinary System Assessment Related

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Which of the following interferes with mycolic acid synthesis an essential * component of mycobacterial cell walls for which resistance will develop rapidly if the drug is used alone?

  • A. Isoniazid
  • B. Rifampicin
  • C. Pyrazinamide
  • D. Ethambutol
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Mycolic acid synthesis is inhibited by Ethambutol by targeting the enzyme arabinosyltransferase, essential for cell wall synthesis in mycobacteria. Resistance develops slowly with Ethambutol, unlike other choices which target different pathways (A: Isoniazid - inhibits mycolic acid synthesis by targeting InhA enzyme, B: Rifampicin - inhibits RNA polymerase, C: Pyrazinamide - disrupts membrane potential). Ethambutol is essential in combination therapy to prevent resistance.