Mycobacterial Infections Pharmacology Quiz

What type of bacilli are mycobacteria?

Which of the following is true regarding mycobacterial infections?

Which mycobacterium is the cause of latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis?

Why are second-line drugs used in tuberculosis treatment?

What is a characteristic of second-line agents in tuberculosis treatment?

Why do mycobacterial infections require combination therapy?

Which medication is specifically mentioned to be activated by a mycobacterial catalase–peroxidase (KatG)?

What is the major adverse effect associated with Isoniazid?

Which medication has a broader antimicrobial activity compared to Isoniazid?

Which medication is a derivative of rifampin and preferred for TB patients coinfected with HIV?

What is a common adverse reaction associated with Rifampin use?

Why is Rifampin never used as monotherapy in the treatment of bacterial infections?

Mycobacteria Overview

Mycobacteria are classified as aerobic, non-spore-forming bacilli.
They have a complex cell wall rich in lipids, contributing to their virulence and resistance to many antibiotics.

Mycobacterial Infections

Mycobacterial infections can present as active disease or be asymptomatic (latent).
Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Latent Tuberculosis and Active Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is responsible for both latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis.

Treatment Considerations

Second-line drugs are utilized in tuberculosis treatment for patients who are resistant to first-line medications or cannot tolerate them.
These agents often have broader spectrum activity and can target resistant strains.

Characteristics of Second-Line Agents

Second-line medications in TB treatment tend to have more side effects and require close monitoring.
Combination therapy is essential due to the slow-growing nature of mycobacteria and the risk of developing drug resistance.

Specific Medications

Isoniazid is activated by the mycobacterial enzyme catalase–peroxidase (KatG).
The major adverse effect linked to Isoniazid is hepatotoxicity.
Rifabutin, a rifampin derivative, is preferred for TB patients who are also HIV positive due to its more favorable drug interaction profile.

Adverse Reactions and Treatment Guidelines

Common adverse reactions associated with Rifampin include orange discoloration of bodily fluids.
Rifampin is never used alone in treatments because of its propensity to select for resistant strains if not combined with other agents.

This quiz is designed for PA pharmacology students and covers information related to Mycobacterial Infections. Questions will focus on the characteristics of Mycobacteria, treatment strategies, and the formation of granulomatous lesions. Test your knowledge on this topic!