Antibiotics - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following statements is/are correct about Carbapenems?

1. Carbapenems are antibiotics used for the treatment of infections known or suspected to be caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
2. It is effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.


a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both
d. None
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Both

Explanation:
- Carbapenems are antibiotics used for the treatment of infections known or suspected to be caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Their use is primarily in people who are hospitalized.
- Third-generation antibiotics carbapanems are failing to treat the Klebsiella pathogen, leading to higher mortality in patients and peg the resistance at up to 50 percent.
- Klebsiella causes urinary tract infections, ventilator-acquired pneumonias and blood stream infections (sepsis) among other conditions and is proving to be fatal in 30 to 40 percent of the patients who have contracted it — usually during a long stay in the hospital.