Antibiotics Overview and Classification

Bacteria without a distinct nucleus, with RNA of 70s type, characterized by a prominent membrane-bound nucleus and DNA content in the cytoplasm.

Bacteria with a distinct nucleus, with RNA of 80s type, typically possessing a nucleus and DNA within the cytoplasm.

A group of antibiotics that inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial death.

A type of antibiotic that kills bacteria directly, often used for serious infections.

A type of antibiotic that slows or prevents the growth of bacteria, allowing the immune system to fight the infection.

A class of antibiotics that target a wide range of bacteria, effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

A class of antibiotics that target a specific type of bacteria, either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria.

A group of enzymes produced by bacteria that can inactivate certain antibiotics, particularly beta-lactams, rendering these drugs ineffective.

These antibiotics selectively block protein synthesis by inhibiting the ribosome’s function. This prevents the creation of essential proteins for bacterial growth.

A group of antibiotics including macrolides, lincosamides, streptogramins, and ketolides, all sharing the same basic mode of action - targeting the bacterial ribosome's 50S subunit.

These drugs are a diverse group of broad-spectrum antibiotics known for their effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria. However, they are also known to cause various toxicities, including bone deformities in developing children and pregnant women.

Tetracyclines are known for their ability to penetrate cells and bones, making them effective in treating certain infections, but also leading to concerns regarding their impact on bone development.

The ability of a drug to penetrate a cell and reach its target site. Certain antibiotics, like some tetracyclines, can easily cross cell membranes, enabling them to access specific areas of the body.

A chemical substance produced by microorganisms to inhibit the growth or kill other microorganisms.

A chemical substance derived from a biological source or produced by chemical synthesis that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

The study and use of antimicrobial agents to treat infections.

The ability of a drug to inhibit the growth of bacteria without killing them.

The ability of a drug to kill bacteria.

The minimum concentration of an antibiotic needed to inhibit the growth of a specific bacterium.

The minimum concentration of antibiotic needed to kill a specific bacterium.

An antibiotic with a narrow spectrum of activity targets only a specific type of bacteria.

An antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity targets a wide range of bacteria.

Natural antibiotics are produced by living organisms, while synthetic antibiotics are made in a laboratory.

Drugs that target and eliminate parasitic worms (helminths).

They either kill the worm (vermicidal) or expel the worm (vermifuge).

Albendazole, mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, piperazine, and levamisole are effective against roundworms and hookworms.

Ivermectin and albendazole are common treatments for threadworms.

Albendazole and mebendazole are effective against both whipworms and Trichinella spiralis.

Diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, and albendazole are used to treat filariasis.

Praziquantel, niclosamide, and albendazole are effective against tapeworms.

Albendazole and mebendazole are used to treat hydatid disease.

Albendazole inhibits the polymerization of microtubules in parasites, leading to their paralysis and death.

Albendazole also blocks glucose uptake by parasites and depletes their glycogen stores, further weakening them.

Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors (BLI) are a class of drugs that prevent the breakdown of penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics. They are effective against bacterial strains producing beta-lactamases, enzymes breaking down these antibiotics. These drugs help maintain the effectiveness of the antibiotic by reducing enzyme activity.

ESBL (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) bacteria overproduce beta-lactamases, reducing the effectiveness of BLIs. This is known as the "inoculum effect".

BLIs are active against all penicillinases, but they do not affect cephalosporinases, a different type of enzyme in certain bacteria.

A concerning issue with BLIs is that they can act as inducers, potentially increasing the production of beta-lactamases in some bacteria making the BLI less effective. This could create resistance.

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that target ribosomes, the protein synthesis machinery inside bacteria.

Aminoglycosides are positively charged molecules pulled into bacteria by their negatively charged outer membrane and cell wall.

Aminoglycosides bind to the ribosomal RNA of the 30S subunit, leading to the production of incomplete and faulty proteins, ultimately disrupting bacterial protein synthesis and damaging the bacterial membrane. This effect is bactericidal, killing the bacteria.

Aminoglycosides exhibit a broad spectrum of activity, effective against Gram-negative bacteria and some Gram-positive bacteria, particularly for severe enterococcal infections, but they need to be combined with other antibiotics for those.

Aminoglycosides are known for their potential side effects, including nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and ototoxicity (ear damage).

Aminoglycosides are often used in combination with other antibiotics, such as beta-lactams or fluoroquinolones, to treat serious infections. This combination can enhance their effectiveness and broaden their spectrum of activity.