18 Questions
In which scenario is combination therapy often initiated empirically?
Severe or life-threatening infections
Why is combination therapy used initially in cancer patients with neutropenia?
To cover a broad spectrum of potential pathogens
Why is combining antibiotics with different mechanisms of action recommended?
To target the pathogen through multiple pathways and reduce the risk of resistance development
What is a common example of a synergistic combination in antibiotic therapy?
Trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
When is combination therapy recommended in cases involving multiple types of microorganisms?
When there are bacterial and fungal infections present
What effect does combining a beta-lactam antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor have on the spectrum of activity?
It enhances the spectrum of activity against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria
How do metabolic inhibitors like sulfonamides disrupt bacterial growth?
By inhibiting dihydropteroate synthase
What is the role of trimethoprim in bacterial growth inhibition?
It inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme in the folate synthesis pathway
Why is the combination of sulfonamides and trimethoprim often used synergistically?
To block microbial DNA and RNA production at two different points
How do sulfonamides affect nucleic acid synthesis in bacteria?
By competitively inhibiting dihydropteroate synthase involved in folate synthesis
Which enzyme does trimethoprim inhibit to disrupt bacterial growth?
Dihydrofolate reductase
What is the primary target of sulfonamides in bacterial cells?
Folate synthesis enzymes
What is the main difference between genetic and non-genetic drug resistance?
Genetic resistance involves mutations or acquisition of resistance genes, while non-genetic resistance does not involve genetic changes.
Which mechanism of resistance involves communities of microorganisms embedded in a protective extracellular matrix?
Biofilm formation
How does non-genetic drug resistance differ from genetic drug resistance?
Non-genetic resistance does not involve genetic changes, unlike genetic resistance.
Which factor contributes to non-genetic drug resistance by providing a physical barrier limiting antimicrobial penetration?
Biofilm formation
What type of antibiotic resistance involves a protective extracellular matrix that limits antimicrobial penetration?
Biofilm formation
In the context of drug resistance, what do persister cells refer to?
Microorganisms that survive exposure to antimicrobial agents without genetic changes
Test your knowledge on how polymyxins such as colistin disrupt the bacterial cell membrane function by interacting with phospholipids, increasing membrane permeability, and causing cell death. Learn about the mechanism of action of cationic polypeptide antibiotics.
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