Fluoroquinolones are primarily indicated for which of the following?

Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that are particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria. These medications work by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes that are essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair. As a result, fluoroquinolones are often used to treat infections caused by various Gram-negative pathogens, including Escherichia coli, which is commonly associated with urinary tract infections and other conditions.

While fluoroquinolones can have some activity against certain Gram-positive organisms, their primary and most clinically significant use is in targeting Gram-negative bacteria. This makes them important tools in the management of infections where Gram-negative bacteria are suspected or confirmed, such as in complicated urinary tract infections or severe respiratory infections caused by susceptible organisms.

Infections caused by viruses or fungi are not treated with fluoroquinolones, as these drugs specifically target bacterial pathogens. Therefore, the indication for fluoroquinolones aligns closely with their efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, affirming the choice made.