In case of antibiotic treatment resistant to a specific infection, which drug is often switched to?

Study for the Infectious Disease Test. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In cases where there is antibiotic resistance to a specific infection, vancomycin is often the drug of choice for switching treatment. This is primarily due to its effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly those that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Vancomycin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, making it a reliable option for treating serious infections caused by resistant pathogens. It is frequently used in hospital settings for severe infections that do not respond to first-line antibiotics.

While the other drugs listed have their specific uses, they are generally not the first alternative for resistant infections. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that might not be effective against resistant strains. Metronidazole is mainly used for anaerobic infections and certain protozoal infections, and is not typically used for the resistant bacteria that vancomycin targets. Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication, so its use is not pertinent in the context of bacterial infections, particularly those being treated with vancomycin due to resistance. Thus, in the scenario of antibiotic resistance, the switch to vancomycin aligns with standard clinical practice for managing resistant bacterial infections.

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