Which class of antibiotics is commonly used to treat Streptococcus infections?

Penicillins are a class of antibiotics that are frequently used to treat infections caused by Streptococcus species. This is largely due to their effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria, which includes the Streptococcus genus. Penicillins work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, ultimately leading to bacterial cell lysis.

Streptococcus infections, such as strep throat or scarlet fever, are typically sensitive to penicillin, making it the first-line treatment for these conditions. Other classes of antibiotics may also be effective against certain strains of Streptococcus, but penicillins are historically the most commonly prescribed due to their efficacy and safety profile.

In contrast, while tetracyclines, macrolides, and aminoglycosides can have some activity against certain bacterial infections, they are not the primary choice for treating Streptococcus infections. Tetracyclines, for instance, are often used for a wider range of bacterial infections and have specific indications that do not include common Streptococcus infections. Macrolides serve as alternatives, especially in penicillin-allergic patients, but penicillin remains the preferred agent for Streptococcus due to its high sensitivity and reliability. Aminoglycosides are generally used against aerobic gram