**Core Concept**
Prophylaxis with Cotrimoxazole, a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, is often used to prevent infections caused by susceptible bacteria, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems or those at high risk of infection.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Cotrimoxazole works by inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme necessary for bacterial DNA synthesis. This action is particularly effective against susceptible bacteria, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii, which causes pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients. By preventing bacterial DNA synthesis, Cotrimoxazole effectively prevents the growth and replication of susceptible bacteria.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because Cotrimoxazole is recommended for the prevention of PCP in HIV-infected patients, especially those with CD4 counts below 200 cells/μL.
**Option B:** Incorrect because Cotrimoxazole is used to prevent toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients, particularly those with CD4 counts below 100 cells/μL, to prevent reactivation of latent Toxoplasma gondii infection.
**Option C:** Incorrect because Cotrimoxazole is not recommended for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in general; it is used to prevent specific bacterial infections like PCP and toxoplasmosis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When prescribing Cotrimoxazole for prophylaxis, it's essential to consider potential side effects, such as rash, fever, and hematologic abnormalities, and to monitor patients for signs of these adverse effects.
**Correct Answer: D.**
Free Medical MCQs · NEET PG · USMLE · AIIMS
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