Which of the following drug is effective against both Pseudomonas and Proteus?
**Core Concept**
The question requires knowledge of antibiotic susceptibility patterns, specifically against Pseudomonas and Proteus species. These bacteria are notorious for their resistance to various antibiotics, making the choice of effective agents crucial in clinical practice.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is a carbapenem antibiotic, which is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam agent effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus species. Carbapenems work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis through binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell surface, ultimately leading to cell lysis and death. Their broad-spectrum activity is due to their ability to resist beta-lactamase degradation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is likely a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which has limited activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is not typically effective against Proteus species.
* **Option B:** This option may be a cephalosporin antibiotic, which has varying degrees of activity against Gram-negative bacteria but is generally not effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Proteus species.
* **Option D:** This option could be a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which is often used in combination with other antibiotics but is not effective on its own against Pseudomonas and Proteus.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) pose a significant threat to public health, highlighting the need for judicious use of carbapenems and the implementation of infection control measures to prevent the spread of resistance.
**Correct Answer:** C. Meropenem