5 Questions
What is the common feature of penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactam?
Presence of β-lactam ring
What is the mechanism of action of β-lactam antibiotics?
Inhibition of the synthesis of bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall
What is the main reason for the decreased effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics?
Increase in β-lactamase production
What is the role of β-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanate and avibactam?
To extend the utility of β-lactam antibiotics against β-lactamase–producing organisms
What is the primary consequence of bacterial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics?
Decreased utility of β-lactam antibiotics
Study Notes
β-Lactam Antibiotics
- Penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams share a common structure, known as the β-lactam ring.
- These antibiotics inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial peptidoglycan cell wall, which is their mechanism of action.
- Bacterial resistance against β-lactam antibiotics is increasing rapidly.
- β-Lactamase inhibitors, such as clavulanate and avibactam, can be used to extend the utility of these antibiotics.
- β-Lactamase inhibitors are effective against β-lactamase–producing organisms.
This quiz covers the mechanism of action of β-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams, and their resistance in bacteria. It also discusses the use of β-lactamase inhibitors to extend the utility of these antibiotics.
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