What is the primary mechanism of action of Ethambutol?

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Multiple Choice

What is the primary mechanism of action of Ethambutol?

Explanation:
Ethambutol works by disrupting the construction of the mycobacterial cell wall. It inhibits arabinosyl transferase enzymes that add arabinose residues to arabinogalactan, a key component of the wall. Without proper arabinogalactan synthesis, the cell wall is defective and bacterial growth is slowed or halted. This mechanism is distinct from drugs that inhibit mycolic acid synthesis (isoniazid), RNA polymerase (rifampin), or DNA gyrase (fluoroquinolones).

Ethambutol works by disrupting the construction of the mycobacterial cell wall. It inhibits arabinosyl transferase enzymes that add arabinose residues to arabinogalactan, a key component of the wall. Without proper arabinogalactan synthesis, the cell wall is defective and bacterial growth is slowed or halted. This mechanism is distinct from drugs that inhibit mycolic acid synthesis (isoniazid), RNA polymerase (rifampin), or DNA gyrase (fluoroquinolones).

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