What is a common use of Streptomycin in respiratory therapy?

Streptomycin is primarily recognized for its efficacy against Gram-negative bacterial infections. It belongs to the class of aminoglycosides, which are often prescribed to combat a variety of bacterial diseases, particularly those caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotic classes. In the context of respiratory therapy, Streptomycin may be used to treat infections such as tuberculosis, which is often caused by mycobacteria but can also involve Gram-negative species.

The mechanism of action involves inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which is critical for the survival and replication of the bacteria causing the infection. Therefore, in respiratory therapy, Streptomycin is especially relevant for patients with serious infections where Gram-negative bacteria could be involved, allowing healthcare providers to effectively manage these complexities within respiratory conditions.

This focus on Gram-negative bacteria underscores the importance of selecting the right antibiotic based on the infection type, enhancing successful treatment outcomes in respiratory therapy.