Antimicrobial Drugs and Selection Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Some β-lactam antibiotic can enter the ______

CSF

A compound with a low molecular weight has an enhanced ability to cross the ______ barrier

blood–brain

Compounds with a high molecular weight penetrate poorly, even in the presence of ______ inflammation

meningeal

A high degree of ______ binding of a drug restricts its entry into the CSF

<p>protein</p> Signup and view all the answers

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) have developed resistance to multiple classes of ______

<p>antibiotics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elimination of infecting organisms from the body depends on an intact ______ system

<p>immune</p> Signup and view all the answers

Poor kidney function may cause accumulation of certain ______

<p>antibiotics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Serum creatinine levels are frequently used as an index of ______ function

<p>renal</p> Signup and view all the answers

The site of ______ influences drug choice in the absence of susceptibility data.

<p>infection</p> Signup and view all the answers

Previous infections, age, and recent travel history should be considered in the patient's ______.

<p>history</p> Signup and view all the answers

Broad-spectrum therapy may be indicated when the organism is ______ or when polymicrobial infections are likely.

<p>unknown</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bacteriostatic drugs limit the spread of infection until the immune system ______ the pathogen.

<p>attacks</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bactericidal drugs are the drugs of choice for seriously ill and ______ patients.

<p>immunocompromised</p> Signup and view all the answers

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is the lowest antimicrobial concentration that prevents visible ______ of an organism.

<p>growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

The MIC serves as a quantitative measure of in vitro ______ and is commonly used in practice.

<p>susceptibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bactericidal drugs kill bacteria at serum levels ______ in the patient.

<p>achievable</p> Signup and view all the answers

Certain combinations of antibiotics, such as β-lactams and __________, show synergism.

<p>aminoglycosides</p> Signup and view all the answers

The addition effect is calculated as Drug A activity 30% + Drug B activity 20% = __________.

<p>50%</p> Signup and view all the answers

The synergistic effect is calculated as Drug A activity 30% + Drug B activity 20% = __________.

<p>80%</p> Signup and view all the answers

A number of antibiotics act only when organisms are __________.

<p>multiplying</p> Signup and view all the answers

Coadministration of a bacteriostatic agent like __________ with a bactericidal agent may lead to interference.

<p>tetracycline</p> Signup and view all the answers

Most gram-negative organisms are inherently resistant to __________.

<p>vancomycin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Acquired antibiotic resistance requires the gain or alteration of bacterial __________.

<p>genetic information</p> Signup and view all the answers

Resistance develops due to the ability of __________ to undergo spontaneous mutation.

<p>DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

Certain antimicrobial agents, including aminoglycosides and daptomycin, show a significant increase in the rate of bacterial killing as the concentration of antibiotic increases from 4- to 64-fold the ______ of the drug for the infecting organism.

<p>MIC</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contrast, β-lactams, glycopeptides, macrolides, clindamycin, and linezolid do not exhibit ______-dependent killing.

<p>concentration</p> Signup and view all the answers

The PAE is a persistent suppression of microbial growth that occurs after levels of antibiotic have fallen below the ______.

<p>MIC</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemotherapeutic agents acting only on a single or a limited group of microorganisms are said to have a ______ spectrum.

<p>narrow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Extended spectrum is the term applied to antibiotics that are modified to be effective against gram-positive organisms and also against a significant number of ______ bacteria.

<p>gram-negative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Drugs such as tetracycline, fluoroquinolones and carbapenems affect a wide variety of microbial species and are referred to as ______-spectrum antibiotics.

<p>broad</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is therapeutically advisable to treat patients with a single agent that is most ______ to the infecting organism.

<p>specific</p> Signup and view all the answers

This strategy reduces the possibility of ______, decreases the emergence of resistant organisms, and minimizes toxicity.

<p>superinfections</p> Signup and view all the answers

Alteration in an antibiotic ______ site is one mechanism of drug resistance.

<p>target</p> Signup and view all the answers

Decreased penetrability of the drug is due to decreased ______.

<p>permeability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Increased ______ of the drug can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

<p>efflux</p> Signup and view all the answers

Antibiotic-inactivating ______ can also confer resistance on microorganisms.

<p>enzymes</p> Signup and view all the answers

S.pneumoniae resistance to β-lactam antibiotics involves alterations in penicillin-binding ______.

<p>proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gram-negative organisms can limit the penetration of certain agents due to alterations in the structure of ______.

<p>porins</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prophylactic use of antibiotics is common in clinical situations such as dental procedures and ______.

<p>surgeries</p> Signup and view all the answers

The duration of antibiotic ______ should be closely monitored to prevent resistance.

<p>prophylaxis</p> Signup and view all the answers

The drug may produce an allergic response or may be toxic in ways unrelated to the antimicrobial ______.

<p>activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hypersensitivity reactions can range from urticaria (hives) to ______ shock.

<p>anaphylactic</p> Signup and view all the answers

High serum levels of certain antibiotics may cause toxicity by directly affecting cellular processes in the ______.

<p>host</p> Signup and view all the answers

Drug therapy with broad-spectrum antimicrobials can lead to alterations of the normal microbial flora of the upper respiratory, oral, intestinal, and genitourinary ______.

<p>tracts</p> Signup and view all the answers

The overgrowth of opportunistic organisms, especially fungi or resistant ______, may occur due to superinfections.

<p>bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

Antimicrobial drugs can be classified by their chemical structure, mechanism of ______, or activity against particular types of organisms.

<p>action</p> Signup and view all the answers

Examples of antifungal infections include those caused by various species of ______.

<p>fungi</p> Signup and view all the answers

Antimicrobials can be specifically designed to target ______ infections.

<p>bacterial</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Drug choice in infection

Choosing a drug to treat an infection depends on the infection site, patient history (past infections, age, travel, recent treatment, etc.), and immune status. Broad-spectrum drugs might be used initially if the cause is unknown.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility

Determining how effectively different antibiotics work against a specific germ (pathogen).

Bacteriostatic drug

Stops bacterial growth, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the bacteria.

Bactericidal drug

Kills bacteria directly.

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Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

Lowest drug concentration that prevents bacteria growth after a specific time.

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Polymicrobial infection

An infection caused by more than one type of germ.

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Hospital-acquired infection

An infection acquired whilst in a hospital.

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Community-acquired infection

An infection that develops outside of a hospital setting.

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CSF Penetration & Molecular Weight

Lower molecular weight drugs more easily cross the blood-brain barrier into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

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CSF Penetration & Protein Binding

High protein binding in the blood reduces the amount of free (unbound) drug available for CSF entry.

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Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)

Bacteria or microorganisms resistant to multiple antibiotics.

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Immune System & Antibiotic Selection

Weakened immune systems may require higher doses or longer treatment courses for effectively eliminating infections.

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Renal Dysfunction & Antibiotics

Poor kidney function can cause antibiotic accumulation, potentially leading to adverse effects.

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Dosage Adjustment for Renal Issues

Adjusting antibiotic dosage is crucial for patients with poor kidney function to prevent drug accumulation.

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Serum Creatinine & Kidney Function

Serum creatinine levels help assess kidney function and guide antibiotic dosage adjustments.

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Monitoring Specific Antibiotics (e.g., Vancomycin)

Direct monitoring of serum levels of certain antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin, aminoglycosides) is important to prevent toxicity.

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Antimicrobial Drug Combinations

Using multiple antimicrobial drugs together to treat infections.

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Synergistic Effect (Drug Combinations)

The combination of drugs yields a significantly greater effect than the sum of the effects of each drug alone.

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Drug Resistance (Bacteria)

Bacteria's ability to survive even high levels of an antibiotic.

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Inherently Resistant Bacteria

Certain bacteria are naturally resistant to specific antibiotics.

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Acquired Drug Resistance

Bacteria develop resistance to an antibiotic through genetic changes.

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Genetic Alteration (Drug Resistance)

Bacteria gain or change genetic information to become resistant to antibiotics.

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Concentration-dependent killing

Antibiotics' killing power increases with concentration, exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

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Time-dependent killing

Antibiotics' efficacy depends on the proportion of time their concentration stays above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

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Post-antibiotic effect (PAE)

Continued suppression of microbial growth after antibiotic levels drop below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).

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Narrow-spectrum antibiotic

Antibiotic effective against a single microorganism type or a small group of microorganisms.

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Extended-spectrum antibiotic

Modified antibiotic effective against gram-positive and many gram-negative bacteria.

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Broad-spectrum antibiotic

Antibiotics effective against a wide variety of microorganisms.

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Single antimicrobial agent

Preferred treatment strategy using one specific antibiotic best targeting the infecting organism.

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Drug resistance mechanisms

Various ways bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, including alterations in the antibiotic's target, decreased drug uptake, drug efflux, and enzymatic inactivation.

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Target site modification

Bacteria can change the target site of an antibiotic, decreasing its effectiveness.

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Decreased accumulation

Antibiotics can't reach the infection site at a high enough concentration due to reduced uptake or increased drug removal.

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Efflux pumps

Mechanisms that actively pump antibiotics out of the bacteria, preventing accumulation.

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Enzymatic inactivation

Bacteria produce enzymes that break down the antibiotic molecule, making it harmless.

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β-lactamases

Enzymes that break down beta-lactam antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.

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Prophylactic antibiotic use

Using antibiotics to prevent infections, often in procedures like surgery.

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Antibiotic resistance duration

The time period antibiotics are used to prevent infections, carefully monitored to avoid the harmful development of bacteria resistance.

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Hypersensitivity to Antibiotics

Immune reactions to antibiotics or their breakdown products can occur. This can range from mild skin reactions (hives) to life-threatening allergic shock.

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Direct Toxicity of Antibiotics

High levels of certain antibiotics can harm the body directly by interfering with normal cell processes. This can damage organs like the ears (aminoglycosides causing hearing loss).

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Superinfection: A Complication

Using broad-spectrum antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body. This allows harmful microbes like fungi or resistant bacteria to flourish leading to new infections.

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What are the 3 Classifications of Antibiotics?

Antibiotics can be classified by their chemical structure, mechanism of action (how they work), and their activity against specific types of organisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses).

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Antibiotic Action Against Bacteria

Antibiotics are specifically designed to target and kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, effectively treating bacterial infections.

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Antibiotic Action Against Fungi

Some antibiotics are effective against fungal infections, disrupting their growth and preventing them from spreading.

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Antibiotic Action Against Viruses

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. They cannot kill viruses.

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Why Should Patients Never be Rechallenged with an Antibiotic That Caused a Hypersensitivity Reaction?

Re-exposure to an antibiotic that has caused a previous hypersensitivity reaction can trigger a more severe allergic reaction, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

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Study Notes

Antimicrobial Drugs

  • Antimicrobial drugs treat infections by selectively targeting invading microorganisms without harming host cells.
  • Selective toxicity is a key characteristic of effective antimicrobial drugs.

Selection of Antimicrobial Agents

  • Choosing the right antimicrobial agent involves several factors:

    • Identifying the infecting organism.
    • Assessing the organism's susceptibility to particular agents.
    • Determining the site of infection, and patient factors.
    • Evaluating the safety and cost of therapy.
  • Identifying the infecting organism is crucial for proper drug selection.

    • Gram staining can sometimes provide a rapid assessment.
    • Culturing the organism is often necessary for a conclusive diagnosis.
    • Susceptibility testing determines the effectiveness of different antimicrobial agents.
  • Empiric therapy might be necessary in critically ill patients to quickly start treatment based on symptoms.

    • Ideally, empiric therapy is used only when the bacteria is unknown or when there is insufficient time to complete detailed identification of the infection.

Timing of Antimicrobial Treatment

  • Acutely ill patients needing immediate treatment:
    • Neutropenic patients.
    • Patients with meningitis
  • Infections of unknown origin
  • Treatment should ideally start after specimens for laboratory analysis have been obtained.

Selecting a drug

  • Drug selection in the absence of complete susceptibility data is based on:
    • Site of infection.
    • Patient history, including previous infections, immune status, and recent antibiotic use.
    • Potential for polymicrobial infections.

Determining Antimicrobial Susceptibility

  • After isolating the pathogen, determining its susceptibility to various antimicrobials is used to guide treatment choices.
  • Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is a measure of the lowest drug concentration that stops bacterial growth.
  • Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) measures the lowest drug concentration that kills 99.9% of the bacteria.

Effect of Infection Site on Therapy

  • Antibiotic must reach the site of infection at sufficient levels to eliminate the infection successfully.
  • Permeability of tissues affects how drugs reach the site of infection.
  • The blood-brain barrier, for instance, limits access for certain drugs.
    • Factors like the drug's lipid solubility, molecular weight, and protein binding affect drug penetration.

Patient Factors

  • The patient's overall health affects the choice of antimicrobial treatment.
  • Factors:
    • Immune system function
    • Renal and hepatic function
    • Age
    • Pregnancy and lactation.
    • Allergies.

Types of Antimicrobial Drugs

  • Bacteriostatic drugs inhibit bacterial growth.
  • Bactericidal drugs kill bacteria.

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)

  • The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that prevents the visible growth of an organism.
  • Quantitative measure for in vitro susceptibility testing.

Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC)

  • The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that results in a 99.9% decrease in bacterial colony count.
    • Assesses the drug's ability to kill bacteria.

Drug Combinations

  • Combining drugs can offer several advantages:
    • Synergistic effects: combination > sum of individual effects.
  • Disadvantages:
    • Interference between drugs' mechanisms of actions.
    • Potential for drug resistance.

Drug Resistance

  • Bacteria can develop resistance to antimicrobials.
  • Mechanisms include genetic mutations and acquiring antibiotic resistance-genes.

Prophylactic Use of Antibiotics

  • Use of antibiotics to prevent infections in specific situations (e.g., surgeries, dental procedures)
  • Prophylactic use duration should be cautiously observed.

Complications of Antimicrobial Therapy

  • Antibiotic treatment can cause various unintended effects:
    • Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions).
    • Direct toxicity affecting host cells.
    • Superinfections (drug-induced infections): opportunistic infections occur when broad-spectrum antibiotics disrupt the normal bacteria in the body.

Bacterial Resistance

  • Bacteria can tolerate the maximum tolerated level of an antimicrobial agent, without preventing their growth.
  • Resistance can be inherent (present from the beginning) or acquired (develop subsequently).

Classification of Antimicrobial Drugs

  • Classified by chemical structure, mechanism of action, and target organism.

Bacterial Target Sites

  • Cell wall synthesis
  • Protein synthesis
  • Nucleic acid synthesis
  • Metabolic pathways

Fungal Infections

  • Treatment is often targeted at specific fungal metabolic pathways.

Viral Infections

  • Antivirals targeting viral replication cycles are used for treatment.

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Description

Test your knowledge on antimicrobial drugs and the selection process for appropriate therapies. This quiz covers the principles of selective toxicity, identification of infecting organisms, and factors influencing the choice of antimicrobial agents. Ensure you understand the critical importance of susceptibility testing and empiric therapy.

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