What condition does Isoniazid primarily treat?

Isoniazid is primarily used to treat tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs but can also impact other areas of the body. This drug works by inhibiting the synthesis of mycolic acids, which are essential components of the bacterial cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. By interfering with the growth and reproduction of the bacteria, isoniazid effectively helps to control and eliminate the infection.

This specificity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis distinguishes isoniazid from other classes of antimicrobial agents that might be broadly aimed at bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. For instance, while there are many antibiotics that treat various bacterial infections, isoniazid's targeted application to TB makes it particularly effective for this specific disease. Thus, understanding isoniazid's role in treating tuberculosis is crucial when considering pharmacological treatments in cases of respiratory infections related to mycobacterial pathogens.