Which treatment is appropriate for tularemia caused by inhalation?

Inhalation tularemia is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The recommended treatment for this form of tularemia is streptomycin, which is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is particularly effective against this pathogen. Streptomycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby leading to the death of the bacteria. It is specifically indicated for severe cases of tularemia, including those caused by respiratory exposure.

In cases of inhalation tularemia, prompt treatment is crucial to manage the infection effectively and prevent complications. While other antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and azithromycin can also be used in certain instances, streptomycin remains the first-line choice in severe cases to ensure a rapid and effective response against the bacteria.

Furthermore, guidelines suggest that streptomycin is the agent of choice due to its proven efficacy in clinical settings for this specific type of tularemia, especially when it involves serious respiratory involvement.