What type of antibiotic is primarily recommended for Pertussis?

Macrolides, particularly Azithromycin and Clarithromycin, are the primary antibiotics recommended for the treatment of Pertussis (whooping cough). These antibiotics are effective in targeting the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which is responsible for the infection. The use of macrolides is favored not only because they help in reducing the severity and duration of the illness, particularly if administered early in the course of the disease, but they also have a role in reducing the transmission of the bacteria to others.

Macrolides work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which is crucial for the growth and reproduction of the Bordetella pertussis pathogen. Starting treatment promptly can help prevent the coughing episodes associated with Pertussis from becoming more severe and can also decrease the risk of spreading the infection to close contacts, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants.

Other antibiotic classes like doxycycline and tetracycline are generally not recommended for treating Pertussis. Furthermore, fluoroquinolones are not the first-line treatment for this specific infection, as they are primarily used for other types of bacterial infections and not against Bordetella pertussis. Thus, macrolides remain the treatment of choice due to their effectiveness and role in controlling the spread