Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

Mader et al. identified the best combination for eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected bone as HBO combined with what?

1. Tobramycin

2. Ciprofloxacin

3. Aminoglycosides

4. Vancomycin

The correct answer is: Tobramycin

The research conducted by Mader et al. suggests that the combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) with tobramycin is particularly effective in eradicating Pseudomonas aeruginosa from infected bone. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is notably effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen responsible for infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with chronic conditions. The synergy between hyperbaric oxygen therapy and tobramycin enhances the antibiotic's action. HBO increases the oxygen tension in tissues, which is believed to augment the effects of certain antibiotics, including tobramycin, by improving the delivery of the medication to the site of infection, enhancing the antimicrobial activity, and promoting healing in the infected tissue. While other options like ciprofloxacin and aminoglycosides do have roles in treating bacterial infections, the specific studies highlight tobramycin as the optimal choice in combination with hyperbaric oxygen for this scenario, making it the most effective strategy for dealing with this specific bacterial infection in bone.