Aztreonam is particularly useful in treating infections in which patient population?

Aztreonam is a monobactam antibiotic that is especially effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a common pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients. This patient population is often subjected to recurrent respiratory infections due to the thick mucus that can harbor bacteria, leading to chronic lung infections and significant morbidity. Aztreonam’s unique structure allows it to be resistant to certain beta-lactamases that some Gram-negative bacteria produce, making it an ideal choice for treating infections in cystic fibrosis, where antibiotic resistance is a frequent issue.

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, infections tend to be secondary to their immune status or treatments like corticosteroids that may predispose them to infections, but these infections may not be specifically addressed by aztreonam. Diabetic patients face a variety of infections, often due to their metabolic state, but aztreonam's use isn't particularly tailored to their conditions. Similarly, while special considerations are often necessary for treating infections in pregnant women, aztreonam is not exclusively indicated for them and may be selected based on other factors rather than the condition itself.