How Linezolid works in anthrax?

 Q: How Linezolid works in anthrax?

Answer: Linezolid has a fascinating mechanism of action in infections with Bacillus anthracis. Although so far it has been mostly demonstrated in vitro it has been proposed as a better treatment option in Anthrax. It abolishes the toxin production 100 percent and reduces the sporulation in Bacillus anthracis. 

Linezolid was found superior to ciprofloxacin, which is so far considered the standard of treatment in Bacillus anthracis (reference # 3)

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References:

1. Head BM, Alfa M, Sitar DS, et al. In vitro evaluation of the effect of linezolid and levofloxacin on Bacillus anthracis toxin production, spore formation and cell growth. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 72:417. 

2. Hendricks KA, Wright ME, Shadomy SV, et al. Centers for disease control and prevention expert panel meetings on prevention and treatment of anthrax in adults. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20. 

3. Louie A, Vanscoy BD, Heine HS 3rd, Liu W, Abshire T, Holman K, Kulawy R, Brown DL, Drusano GL. Differential effects of linezolid and ciprofloxacin on toxin production by Bacillus anthracis in an in vitro pharmacodynamic system. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2012 Jan;56(1):513-7. doi: 10.1128/AAC.05724-11. Epub 2011 Nov 7. PMID: 22064542; PMCID: PMC3256020.