North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

Which antibiotic is the treatment of choice for vibriosis abortion storms in cattle?

1. Tetracycline

2. Aminoglycoside

3. Cephalosporin

4. Fluoroquinolone

The correct answer is: Tetracycline

The treatment of choice for vibriosis abortion storms in cattle is tetracycline. This is due to its effectiveness against the bacteria responsible for vibriosis, primarily Campylobacter fetus. Tetracycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, effectively reducing the bacterial load in infected animals. In the context of vibriosis, which is a significant reproductive disease in cattle, timely treatment is essential to control the outbreak and minimize economic losses. Tetracycline's broad-spectrum activity, along with its established safety profile in cattle and its ability to penetrate tissues effectively, makes it well-suited for this particular condition. While other antibiotic classes listed may have some efficacy against various infections, they are not specifically indicated for the treatment of vibriosis. Aminoglycosides, for instance, are generally effective against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria but have limited effectiveness for anaerobic bacteria, which can be involved in such infections. Cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones also serve specific purposes in veterinary medicine but do not have the same proven track record in treating vibriosis as tetracycline does. Therefore, tetracycline remains the preferred choice for managing this condition in cattle, effectively reducing the incidence of abortion storms associated with the infection.