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Which of the following diseases can be treated effectively with antibiotics?

1) congenital rubella syndrome
2) trachoma
3) rubella
4) cold sores

User Kburke
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Trachoma can be effectively treated with antibiotics such as tetracycline or azithromycin. The other diseases listed (congenital rubella syndrome, rubella, and cold sores) are viral and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Differentiating between bacterial and viral infections is key to appropriate treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The disease that can be effectively treated with antibiotics from the list is trachoma. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline or azithromycin, can be used to treat bacterial infections, and since trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it's susceptible to these treatments. However, the other diseases listed - congenital rubella syndrome, rubella, and cold sores - are caused by viruses, and therefore, cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, and their misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Regarding cold sores, also known as herpes simplex, antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir are commonly prescribed, while rubella and congenital rubella syndrome are prevented through the MMR vaccine. It's important to differentiate between bacterial and viral infections to prescribe the correct treatment and avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance.

User Matti Lyra
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