Which antibiotic is used to treat the ulceroglandular form of tularemia?

Which antibiotic is used to treat the ulceroglandular form of tularemia?

• A. Azithromycin
• B. Streptomycin
• C. Doxycycline
• D. Ciprofloxacin

Answer: (B)

Ulceroglandular tularemia responds best to an antibiotic class that has proven strong bactericidal activity against Francisella tularensis, with reliable clinical effectiveness in this form. Streptomycin fits this role well—historically the first-line agent—because it quickly clears infection and minimizes the risk of relapse in localized disease with skin ulcers and regional lymphadenopathy. Doxycycline and ciprofloxacin can be used in milder cases or when an oral regimen is needed, but they are associated with higher relapse rates and longer courses in ulceroglandular tularemia, making them less reliable as the primary treatment. Azithromycin is not favored as a first-line option due to less robust evidence of efficacy for this presentation. Thus, streptomycin is the best choice for effectively treating the ulceroglandular form.

Ulceroglandular tularemia responds best to an antibiotic class that has proven strong bactericidal activity against Francisella tularensis, with reliable clinical effectiveness in this form. Streptomycin fits this role well—historically the first-line agent—because it quickly clears infection and minimizes the risk of relapse in localized disease with skin ulcers and regional lymphadenopathy.

Doxycycline and ciprofloxacin can be used in milder cases or when an oral regimen is needed, but they are associated with higher relapse rates and longer courses in ulceroglandular tularemia, making them less reliable as the primary treatment. Azithromycin is not favored as a first-line option due to less robust evidence of efficacy for this presentation.

Thus, streptomycin is the best choice for effectively treating the ulceroglandular form.