Antimicrobial Drugs

These flashcards cover essential concepts and mechanisms related to antimicrobial drugs, their actions, resistance, and classifications.

What is the general goal of antimicrobial drugs?

To interfere with the metabolism or structure of organisms so that they cannot survive or reproduce.

What are the two main types of antimicrobial action?

Microbicidal, which kills microbes, and microbiostatic, which inhibits microbial growth.

What are the factors influencing the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents?

Concentration of the agent, type of microbe targeted, and the host’s immune system.

What is the mechanism of action for inhibiting cell wall synthesis?

Causes weakness in the peptidoglycan layer, making the cell vulnerable to lysis.

What is selective toxicity in antimicrobial drugs?

The ability of a drug to kill pathogens without causing significant damage to the host.

What does broad-spectrum mean regarding antimicrobial agents?

Effective against a large variety of microorganisms.

What is the role of the Kirby-Bauer method in antimicrobial drug efficacy?

Determines the effectiveness of antibiotics using the zone of inhibition.

How do bacteria develop resistance to antimicrobials?

Through genetic mutations, acquisition of resistance genes, or through mechanisms like conjugation, transduction, and transformation.

What are some common side effects of antimicrobial drugs?

Potential organ damage, such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and effects on the gastrointestinal system.

What characteristics define natural antibiotics?

Produced by microorganisms in nature, like Penicillin.

What are antiretroviral agents primarily used for?

To treat and manage viral infections, such as HIV.

What does the term 'superbug' refer to?

Bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making them difficult to treat.

What is the significance of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) method?

It identifies the lowest effective concentration of an antibiotic that inhibits microbial growth.

What are the three main types of antibacterial agents?

Natural antibiotics, semisynthetic antibiotics, and synthetic drugs.

What is the action of macrolide antibiotics?

Bacteriostatic and broad spectrum with relatively low toxicity.

What are antiprotozoan agents used for?

To treat infections caused by protozoa, such as malaria.

What is recommended to prevent the development of drug resistance?

Hand washing, eliminating unwarranted antibiotic use, and proper prescription practices.

What are the potential effects of antiviral agents on host cells?

They aim to target viral life cycles without severely harming host cells.

Why are helminthic infections challenging to treat?

Helminths are eukaryotic, making them similar to host cells in structure.

What role do interferons play in antiviral therapies?

They induce production of antiviral agents in neighboring cells to help combat viral infections.