How do macrolides differ from beta-lactam antibiotics?
Understand the Problem
The question asks about the difference between macrolides and beta-lactam antibiotics. This requires an understanding of their mechanisms of action, chemical structures, and the types of bacteria they target.
Answer
Beta-lactams inhibit cell wall synthesis, and macrolides inhibit protein synthesis.
Macrolides and beta-lactam antibiotics differ in their mechanism of action. Beta-lactams inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, while macrolides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.
Answer for screen readers
Macrolides and beta-lactam antibiotics differ in their mechanism of action. Beta-lactams inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, while macrolides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.
More Information
Beta-lactams are often used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Macrolides are frequently used to treat respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, as well as some sexually transmitted infections.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the spectrum of bacteria that each antibiotic class covers; while there can be overlap, they are not identical.
Sources
- TWO CLASSES OF ANTIBIOTICS, BETA-LACTAMS AND ... - biolife-publisher.it
- β-Lactam/macrolide dual therapy versus β-lactam monotherapy for ... - academic.oup.com
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