Antimicrobial+Drugs powerpoint

Inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis

Drugs that target the replication/transcription processes of bacterial nucleic acids, specifically inhibiting types such as quinolones, rifampin, and metronidazole.

Chemotherapy

The use of any chemical (drug) to treat any disease or condition.

Selective toxicity

The ability of a drug to be toxic to the pathogen but not to host cells.

Beta-Lactam ring

A structural feature shared by penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems that is the site of attack by beta-lactamase enzymes.

Inhibitors of cell wall synthesis

Drugs that prevent the synthesis of peptidoglycan, weakening the cell wall and causing lysis.

Antibiotic resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic.

β-lactamase

An enzyme produced by some bacteria that can destroy the β-lactam ring and inactivate certain antibiotics.

Folic acid synthesis inhibitors

Chemical agents that interfere with the synthesis of folic acid, essential for nucleic acid synthesis in bacteria.

Broad-spectrum antibiotic

An antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative.

Empiric therapy

Initiating drug therapy before the laboratory results are available to save a patient's life.

Synergism

When two antimicrobial agents are used together to achieve a greater effect than either agent alone.

Antagonism

When two drugs work against each other, resulting in lesser efficacy than either drug alone.

Penicillin

An antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming, produced by Penicillium fungi.

Antifungal agent

A chemical substance used to treat fungal infections.

Antiprotozoal agent

A chemical substance that works against protozoan infections.

Inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis

Drugs that target the replication/transcription processes of bacterial nucleic acids.

Antimyocobacterial antibiotic

An antimicrobial agent specifically effective against Mycobacterium, such as isoniazid.

Resistance mechanisms

Various strategies that bacteria use to develop resistance against antimicrobial drugs.

Natural antibiotics

Antibiotics that are isolated directly from natural organisms.

Semisynthetic antibiotics

Antibiotics derived from natural antibiotics that have been chemically modified.

Synthetic antibiotics

Antibiotics that are created entirely in the laboratory.

MDR-TB

Multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Glycopeptide antibiotics

A class of antibiotics such as vancomycin that inhibit cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria.

Degradation

The process of breaking down a compound.

Efflux

The pumping out of a substance from a cell by an efflux pump.

Intrinsic resistance

Natural resistance of certain bacteria to specific antibiotics.

Acquired resistance

Resistance that develops due to genetic changes, often through mutation or gene transfer.