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Immune suppressed, cavitary lung dx (purulent sputum) + weight loss, fever.

Gram + aerobic branching, partially acid fast? Txt?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The symptoms and sputum analysis suggest an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, requiring tailored combination antibiotic therapy over a long duration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical symptoms described in the question suggest an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), which is an acid-fast, high G+C, gram-positive bacterium. This organism can cause a chronic granulomatous disease most commonly affecting the lungs, characterized by symptoms such as cavitary lung disease, purulent sputum, weight loss, and fever. Given the presentation of partially acid-fast, aerobic branching, the individual likely requires a combination antibiotic therapy. For M. tuberculosis, treatment generally includes a combination of drugs such as isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide administered over a long duration, often ranging from 6 to 9 months. It's important to note that treatment should be tailored by a healthcare professional based on the specific circumstances and sensitivity testing of the bacterial strain involved.

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