Which antipseudomonal penicillin is commonly combined with an aminoglycoside for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

The correct antipseudomonal penicillin that is commonly combined with an aminoglycoside for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa is piperacillin. This specific activity against Pseudomonas is attributed to its extended spectrum which covers a range of Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, along with its ability to enhance the efficacy of aminoglycosides.

The combination of piperacillin with an aminoglycoside, such as gentamicin or tobramycin, is often a strategy employed to achieve synergistic effects against Pseudomonas. This is particularly important in serious infections where high-level resistance may be present, as the two agents can work together to increase the overall antibacterial activity.

While other penicillins like ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ticarcillin have their uses, they do not provide the same level of coverage against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or are less commonly partnered with aminoglycosides in clinical practice for this specific indication. Ticarcillin does have some activity against Pseudomonas; however, it is not as widely used as piperacillin in contemporary treatment protocols. Thus, piperacillin stands out as

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