Questions and Answers
Which of the following factors is NOT considered when choosing an antimicrobial agent?
What type of antimicrobial agent is typically preferred for patients with impaired immune mechanisms?
In cases of serious or life-threatening infections, when should anti-infective therapy ideally begin?
What is the significance of drug metabolism in the context of choosing an antimicrobial agent?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about sulfonamides is true?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of antibiotic is usually the most appropriate initial choice during empiric therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common cause of therapeutic ineffectiveness in antibiotic treatment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which patient condition is likely to require surgical intervention rather than just antibiotic therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following factors should be reassessed when an antibiotic regimen fails to produce results?
Signup and view all the answers
What laboratory marker indicates a possible ongoing acute or chronic infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an effect of a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?
Signup and view all the answers
What expectation is considered unrealistic when treating infections with antibiotics?
Signup and view all the answers
What initial sign in the WBC count may indicate the beginning of an infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What misconception may arise regarding the treatment of an infection by multiple microorganisms?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in microbial susceptibility tests?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following factors is NOT considered when choosing an antimicrobial agent?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique assess drug effectiveness?
Signup and view all the answers
Which patient factor is critical to consider when prescribing antibiotics during pregnancy?
Signup and view all the answers
The microdilution method for susceptibility testing is best described as which of the following?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a limitation of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique?
Signup and view all the answers
What parameter does MBC indicate in susceptibility testing?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following can increase the risk of ototoxicity when prescribing antibiotics?
Signup and view all the answers
In what scenario would a clinician most likely use the microdilution method over the Kirby-Bauer technique?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Characteristics of Bacteria
- Gram-Positive Bacteria: Stain blue or purple.
- Gram-Negative Bacteria: Stain red or rose-pink.
Laboratory Techniques for Diagnosing Microbial Diseases
- Microbiologic Cultures: Involves collecting body fluids or infected tissue specimens to identify causative agents.
- Susceptibility Tests: Determine microbial resistance to drugs, predicting drug effectiveness against infections.
Susceptibility Testing Methods
-
Microdilution Method:
- Serial dilution of drugs in media with the test microorganism.
- MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration): Lowest concentration preventing growth after 18-24 hours.
- MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration): Lowest concentration that reduces bacterial density by 99.9%.
-
Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Technique:
- Involves placing drug-impregnated filter paper disks on agar plates with microorganism cultures.
- After 18 hours, the clear inhibition zone indicates drug effectiveness.
- Less reliable than microdilution; does not predict effectiveness for all microorganisms (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella).
Choice of Antimicrobial Agents
- Selection based on pharmacological properties, spectrum of activity, and patient-specific factors.
-
Patient Factors Include:
- Age: Risk of ototoxicity in elderly; metabolism decreases in young and elderly.
- Pregnancy & Lactation: Antibiotics can appear in breast milk; some, like sulfonamides, may harm infants.
- Underlying Disease: Liver or kidney disease increases toxicity risks; CNS disorders may cause neurotoxicity with certain antibiotics.
- Immunologic Status: Impaired immunity may necessitate bactericidal agents.
- Presence of Foreign Body: Prosthetic devices can hinder infection therapy effectiveness.
- Genetic Traits: Conditions like G6PD deficiency predispose to hemolytic anemia from sulfonamides; rapid drug metabolism can lead to side effects from certain treatments.
Empiric Therapy
- Administered in serious cases before identifying the pathogen.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually chosen based on clinical experience until specific pathogens are confirmed.
- Neutrophil count may indicate infection severity.
Monitoring Therapeutic Effectiveness
- Assess pain and inflammation as signs of infection focus.
- ESR: Higher levels indicate acute or chronic infections.
Lack of Therapeutic Effectiveness
- Important to reassess rather than indiscriminately modify treatment when antibiotics fail.
- Common causes include misdiagnosis, improper regimens, inappropriate antibiotic choice, microbial resistance, and concurrent infections.
Causes of Therapeutic Ineffectiveness
- Microbial Resistance: Increased in areas with excessive or improper drug use; example includes penicillin resistance in gonococcal strains.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Conditions requiring surgical intervention (e.g., draining pus) may not be resolved with antibiotics alone.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the selection and use of antimicrobial agents. This quiz covers key factors involved in choosing the right antimicrobial for various patient scenarios, including those with compromised immune systems, and addresses the importance of drug metabolism. Challenge yourself with questions on sulfonamides and empiric therapy choices.
