Final answer:
Penicillin is used to treat acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) because it is effective against the gram-positive bacteria that cause the streptococcal infections leading to this kidney inflammation. The antibiotic helps to prevent the progression of the disease and the subsequent immune reaction that damages the kidneys.
Step-by-step explanation:
Penicillin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), which is a kidney inflammation that occurs after a streptococcal infection. This infection is caused by certain strains of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, known to be susceptible to penicillin. Treating streptococcal infections with penicillin can prevent the progression of the infectious disease and minimize the immune response that leads to glomerulonephritis.
By using penicillin or other related antibiotics, like penicillin V, ampicillin, and amoxicillin, which are acid stable and can be taken orally, one can effectively treat the infections caused by these bacteria. This treatment helps in preventing the post-infectious complications like APSGN that result from the immune system's reaction to the bacteria. Penicillin's effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria such as streptococci is the reason why it's used to treat APSGN, as resistance to penicillin is not widespread in these bacteria currently.