Worldwide accepted minimum dose of Benzathine penicillin in Teiary syphilis?
**Core Concept**
Benzathine penicillin is a long-acting form of penicillin used for the treatment of syphilis. The minimum effective dose is crucial for the prevention of treatment failure and the development of antimicrobial resistance.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The worldwide accepted minimum dose of Benzathine penicillin for the treatment of tertiary syphilis is 7.2 million units administered as a single injection. This dose is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its effectiveness in eliminating the causative organism, *Treponema pallidum*. The mechanism of action involves the inhibition of cell wall synthesis through the binding of penicillin to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** 4.8 million units is insufficient for the treatment of tertiary syphilis, as it may not achieve adequate serum concentrations to eliminate the infection.
**Option B:** 10.8 million units is excessive and not recommended, as it increases the risk of adverse reactions without providing additional therapeutic benefit.
**Option C:** 5.4 million units is still below the minimum effective dose for tertiary syphilis and may lead to treatment failure.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When administering Benzathine penicillin, it is essential to use a sterile needle and syringe to minimize the risk of infection, as the patient may be immunocompromised due to the underlying disease.
**Correct Answer: C. 7.2 million units.**