Which antibiotic is commonly used to treat pertussis?

Erythromycin is commonly used to treat pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The bacterium responsible for this condition is Bordetella pertussis, which causes a characteristic cough. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is effective against this organism, particularly in the early stages of the disease. It helps to reduce the severity and duration of the illness and decreases the contagious period when given to patients with active infections.

In addition to erythromycin, other macrolides such as azithromycin and clarithromycin may also be used for treating pertussis, especially in cases where patients may be intolerant to erythromycin. Importantly, early intervention with appropriate antibiotics is crucial to manage pertussis effectively, as it can lead to significant complications, especially in infants.

The other options listed are not typically used for treating pertussis. Ampicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, is not effective against Bordetella pertussis. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is primarily utilized for other types of infections and does not target the specific bacteria causing pertussis. Metronidazole is mainly effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoal infections, making it unsuitable for treating pertuss