Antibiotics Cell Wall and Membrane Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which antibiotic is primarily effective against gram (+) bacteria?

Ceftriaxone

Aztreonam

Vancomycin (correct)

Polymyxin B

What mechanism of action do Polymyxins employ?

Inhibits protein synthesis

Disrupts membrane integrity via interaction with LPS (correct)

Inhibits RNA synthesis

Disrupts the bacterial cell wall

Which statement about daptomycin's spectrum of activity is correct?

It is effective against both gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria.

It primarily targets gram (-) bacteria.

It has no significant bacterial activity.

It is restricted to gram (+) bacteria. (correct)

Which antibiotic primarily disrupts both the bacterial cell wall and membrane?

Daptomycin Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct association of Bacitracin?

Inhibits the integrity of the cell wall Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic would likely have the narrowest spectrum of activity?

Vancomycin Signup and view all the answers

How do beta-lactam antibiotics predominantly target bacteria?

Inhibiting cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the spectrum of activity of antibiotics affecting cell membrane integrity is incorrect?

Both antibiotics target the cell wall. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major reason daptomycin is not recommended for children under one year of age?

It may cause muscular or neuromuscular problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary route of excretion for daptomycin?

Predominantly in urine. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adverse effects is associated with daptomycin?

Diarrhea caused by C. difficile. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does renal impairment have on daptomycin dosing?

It necessitates a decreased frequency of dosing. Signup and view all the answers

What type of bacteria do polymyxins specifically target?

Gram-negative organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a clinically prescribed member of the polymyxin drug class?

Polymyxin B Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic class is particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria and may cause hypersensitivity reactions?

Penicillins Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for polymyxins?

Target cell membranes. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the carbapenem class of antibiotics from other beta-lactams?

They possess the broadest spectrum of activity among beta-lactams. Signup and view all the answers

What should be temporarily discontinued when using daptomycin?

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of cephalosporins is primarily effective against gram-negative bacteria?

Third generation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for beta-lactam antibiotics?

Disruption of cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following drugs targets the bacterial cell membrane specifically?

Daptomycin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical indication for using polymyxins?

Treatment of multi-drug resistant gram-negative infections Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic is considered a unique cell wall inhibitor aside from the beta-lactams?

Bacitracin Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic class is most appropriate for treating abscesses caused by Staphylococcal spp.?

Vancomycin Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

Understand mechanisms of action for different antibiotic classes.
Compare and contrast antibacterial drug resistance mechanisms across classes.
Recognize medical conditions treated by each antibiotic class and their spectrum of activity (e.g., gram-positive vs. gram-negative).
Identify unique adverse effects associated with each drug class (e.g., penicillin hypersensitivity).

Antibiotic Classes Overview

Penicillins: β-lactam antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis; effective against many gram-positive bacteria.
Cephalosporins: Also β-lactam antibiotics; engineered to broaden spectrum and overcome resistance; grouped into generations based on efficacy against gram-positive/negative bacteria.
Carbapenems: Broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics; resistant to many β-lactamases; used for severe or high-risk bacterial infections.
Monobactams: β-lactams structured to target aerobic gram-negative bacteria; less effective against gram-positive organisms.
Vancomycin: Unique inhibitor of bacterial cell wall synthesis; primarily targets gram-positive bacteria; used for resistant infections, such as MRSA.

Cell Membrane Inhibitors

Daptomycin:
- Mechanism involves disrupting the bacterial cell membrane.
- Rapid IV administration; half-life of 8-9 hours; dosage adjustment needed for renal impairment.
- Adverse effects include peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, and eosinophilic pneumonia; caution advised with statins due to rhabdomyolysis risk.
Polymyxins:
- Target primarily gram-negative bacteria; derived from Paenibacillus polymyxa.
- Includes polymyxin B and polymyxin E (Colistin).
- Mechanism involves binding to LPS in the bacterial membrane; disrupts membrane integrity.

Bacitracin

Acts on both cell wall and membrane; effective against gram-positive bacteria.

Clinical Context

Daptomycin is preferred for treating complicated skin infections caused by gram-positive organisms.
Polymyxins are used for multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections.
Adverse effects are critical for understanding safety profiles and developing treatment plans.

Practice Questions

Understand antibiotic specific actions and their applicable clinical scenarios.
Assessing the correct spectrum of activity of daptomycin and polymyxins aids in effective antibiotic selection.

Summary

Knowledge of antibiotic structures, their mechanisms, and targeted bacteria is essential for effective treatment strategies and understanding potential adverse effects.

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Description

Test your knowledge on antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall and membrane integrity. This quiz covers various classes including β-lactams like penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and unique inhibitors such as vancomycin and daptomycin. Perfect for students learning pharmacology or microbiology.