Rifampin is primarily used to treat which of the following conditions?

Rifampin is primarily used to treat tuberculosis (TB), which is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is particularly effective against this pathogen because it works by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis, thus halting the growth of the bacteria. Rifampin is often included in combination therapy with other antibiotics to prevent the development of drug resistance, a common issue with tuberculosis treatment.

This medication is not used to treat malaria, pneumonia, or bronchitis. Malaria is treated with antimalarial medications, pneumonia often requires antibiotics specific to the bacteria or virus causing the infection, and bronchitis typically involves a different set of treatments focused on relieving symptoms and may include antibiotics only if a bacterial infection is suspected. Thus, rifampin’s primary indication as an effective treatment for tuberculosis distinctly aligns it with the condition mentioned in the correct answer.