6 Questions
Which of the following statements about rifamycins is correct?
Rifamycins must be used with at least one other antituberculosis drug.
From which organism is rifampicin derived?
Streptomyces
What is the primary mechanism of action of rifampicin?
Inhibition of mRNA synthesis
Why is rifampicin never given as a single agent in the treatment of active tuberculosis?
Resistant strains of bacteria rapidly emerge during therapy.
Which subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase does rifampicin interact with?
Beta subunit
Which step of mRNA synthesis does rifampicin suppress?
Initiation
Study Notes
Rifamycins
- Rifamycins are a group of macrocyclic antibiotics used as first-line drugs for tuberculosis.
- Includes Rifampicin, Rifabutin, and Rifapentine.
- Must be used in conjunction with at least one other antituberculosis drug to which the isolate is susceptible.
Rifampicin
- Derived from the soil mold Streptomyces.
- Has a broader antimicrobial activity than isoniazid.
- Used in the treatment of various bacterial infections.
- Never given as a single agent in the treatment of active tuberculosis due to rapid emergence of resistant strains.
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks RNA transcription by interacting with the beta subunit of bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
- Inhibits mRNA synthesis by suppressing the initiation step.
- Specifically, Rifampicin binds with the beta subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, leading to inhibition of mRNA synthesis.
This quiz covers the use of rifamycins, including rifampicin, in the treatment of tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. Learn about their mechanisms, benefits, and importance in conjunction with other antituberculosis drugs.
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