Question

Background: You are a senior scientist at the CDC. While reviewing reports you see that there is a new infection that has surfaced in a local county. The agent who managed the incident wrote this in their notes:

“…..Infection spreads rapidly through physical contact. Once on the skin, this organism is able to break down keratin and infect the lower portions of the dermis. This organism has a Gram+ cell wall, is circular in appearance and very small. While not a traditional medication, the patient responded well to a drug that targeted mitochondria….” Do you think that this is the best medication to use on the patient? Explain why this medication would or would not work.


Thanks!

Answer 1

As a senior scientist at the CDC, I would need more information to determine whether the drug that targeted mitochondria is the best medication to use on the patient described in the notes.

While the notes indicate that the patient responded well to the drug, there is no information provided about the mechanism of action of the drug or the specific type of infection that the patient had. It is also unclear whether the drug was specifically designed to treat this type of infection or if it was used off-label.

Additionally, while the notes mention that the organism has a Gram+ cell wall and is circular in appearance, there is no information about its genetic makeup or other characteristics that could provide insight into the most effective treatment options.

Therefore, it is not possible to say definitively whether the drug that targeted mitochondria is the best medication to use on the patient without further information. As a senior scientist at the CDC, I would recommend conducting further research and testing to identify the most effective treatment options for this new infection.