The drug that should be used for prophylaxis of close contacts of a patient suffering from meningococcal meningitis is:
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle being tested is the prevention of meningococcal meningitis, a serious infection caused by the bacterium *Neisseria meningitidis*. Prophylaxis is crucial for close contacts of infected individuals to prevent outbreaks.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is based on the drug's ability to eliminate *Neisseria meningitidis* from the nasopharynx of close contacts, thereby preventing the spread of the disease.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because it is not typically used for meningococcal meningitis prophylaxis.
**Option B:** Incorrect as it is not the first-line choice for prophylaxis in this context.
**Option C:** Incorrect because, although it may have some effect, it is not the recommended drug for this purpose.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Rifampin (or rifampicin) is the drug of choice for prophylaxis of close contacts of patients with meningococcal meningitis, due to its efficacy in eradicating the carrier state.
**Correct Answer:** D. Rifampicin.