Rifampin is used to treat which infections?

Rifampin, a powerful antibiotic, is primarily used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy due to its effectiveness against mycobacterial infections. It works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, which disrupts the production of essential proteins needed for bacterial growth and reproduction.

In the case of tuberculosis, Rifampin is typically part of a combination therapy because of the potential for resistance when used alone. It targets the unique cell wall structure and enzyme systems of mycobacteria, making it specifically effective for these infections. Similarly, for leprosy, which is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, Rifampin is crucial in both the treatment and prevention of the disease's spread.

The other options provided relate to infections caused by different types of bacteria or involve different treatment protocols that do not typically include Rifampin. Other antibiotics are more suitable for those conditions. For example, UTIs are commonly treated with drugs like nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while pneumonia and bronchitis usually require a range of other antibiotics depending on the causative agent. Skin infections may be treated with topical antibiotics or other oral agents as well.

Thus, the usage