**Core Concept**
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a type of nontuberculous mycobacteria that can cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections in immunocompromised individuals. Effective treatment of MAC infections requires a combination of antibiotics that target the bacteria's unique cell wall and intracellular survival mechanisms.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pyrazinamide is an antitubercular agent that is primarily effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but not against MAC. This is because MAC lacks the enzyme pyrazinamidase, which is required to activate pyrazinamide inside the bacterial cell. As a result, pyrazinamide is not effective against MAC infections. In contrast, the other options are commonly used in the treatment of MAC infections.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against MAC, particularly in combination with other agents such as macrolides and rifamycins.
**Option B:** Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is considered a first-line treatment for MAC infections due to its excellent intracellular penetration and ability to target the bacteria's cell wall.
**Option C:** Rifabutin is a rifamycin antibiotic that is effective against MAC and is often used in combination with other agents to treat MAC infections. It is particularly useful in patients who are intolerant to clarithromycin.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
MAC infections are often treated with a combination of antibiotics, including macrolides, rifamycins, and fluoroquinolones, due to the bacteria's ability to develop resistance to single-agent therapy.
**β Correct Answer: D. Pyrazinamide**
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
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