JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3el097
A patient whose immune system is badly weakened has a serious bacterial infection. Which antibiotic is the more suitable choice and why?
AErythromycin, because stopping growth permanently removes the infection
BTetracycline, because it kills bacteria faster than ofloxacin
COfloxacin, because it kills the bacteria and does not depend on the body's defences to finish the job
DChloramphenicol, because being bacteriostatic it clears bacteria without immune help
Answer: C
Bacteriostatic drugs (tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol) only stop growth and rely on the immune system to clear the bacteria. A bactericidal drug such as ofloxacin kills them directly.