Question

The spectrum of antimicrobial activity of mupirocin includes:

A. Primarily gram-negative organisms
B. Select gram-positive organisms
C. Pseudomonas species and anaerobic organisms
D. Only organisms that do not produce beta-lactamase

Answer 1

Mupirocin's spectrum of antimicrobial activity primarily targets select gram-positive organisms, including MRSA, with limited activity against gram-negative bacteria, and not specifically against beta-lactamase producers or Pseudomonas species.

Step-by-step explanation:

The spectrum of antimicrobial activity of mupirocin includes primarily select gram-positive organisms. Mupirocin has a narrow spectrum with activity against gram-positive and limited numbers of gram-negative bacteria. It is also active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This makes it effective in treating infections like those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but it is not generally effective against a broad range of gram-negative organisms, such as Pseudomonas species, nor is it limited to only organisms that do not produce beta-lactamase.

Selectivity is important when considering the use of antimicrobial agents, as narrow-spectrum drugs specifically target certain pathogens, while broad-spectrum drugs cover a wider range of pathogens. Mupirocin's strength lies in its ability to target specific gram-positive bacteria, including strains that are resistant to other antibiotics.