What is the first-line antibiotic for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

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Prepare for the American Board of Family Medicine Examination. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with explanations and hints. Ready yourself for success!

Multiple Choice

What is the first-line antibiotic for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever?

Explanation:
RMSF is caused by an intracellular bacterium, so the antibiotic chosen must penetrate cells effectively to reach the pathogen. Doxycycline does this well and has proven efficacy against Rickettsia, leading to rapid clinical improvement and reduced mortality when started early. Because delays worsen outcomes, starting doxycycline promptly when RMSF is suspected is essential, even before lab confirmation. Amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin do not reliably treat this intracellular organism, so they aren’t appropriate first-line options for RMSF.

RMSF is caused by an intracellular bacterium, so the antibiotic chosen must penetrate cells effectively to reach the pathogen. Doxycycline does this well and has proven efficacy against Rickettsia, leading to rapid clinical improvement and reduced mortality when started early. Because delays worsen outcomes, starting doxycycline promptly when RMSF is suspected is essential, even before lab confirmation. Amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin do not reliably treat this intracellular organism, so they aren’t appropriate first-line options for RMSF.

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