Antimicrobial Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and important classifications of antimicrobial agents that are critical for understanding their mechanisms, uses, and classifications.

What is a pathogen?

An organism causing disease to a host.

What does antibiotic/drug resistance entail?

A natural process where bacteria change genetically to survive despite the presence of an antibiotic designed to kill them.

What are the differences between gram positive and gram negative bacteria?

Gram positive includes infections caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus, while gram negative includes bacteria like E. coli.

What are broad spectrum antibiotics?

Antibiotics that target a wide range of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

What are narrow spectrum antibiotics?

target only specific types of bacteria, either gram-positive or gram-negative.

What is a superinfection?

A secondary infection in a patient having a preexisting infection, such as C. diff or yeast infections due to antibiotic therapy.

What is the mechanism of action of antimicrobials?

disrupt microbial cells, inhibiting their growth or killing them by targeting processes like cell wall synthesis and protein synthesis.

What is a synergistic interaction in drug administration?

Concurrent drug administration that enhances efficiency beyond the effect of either drug alone.

Give an example of a synergistic drug interaction.

Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

What is an antagonistic interaction in drug administration?

Concurrent administration of two drugs that causes harmful effects, like decreased activity or increased potential for toxicity.

Provide an example of an antagonistic interaction.

Taking antacids with antibiotics decreases absorption of the antibiotic.

What is penicillin?

An antibiotic produced naturally by certain blue molds, often prepared synthetically.

What is a Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor?

An antibiotic that prevents bacteria from breaking down beta-lactam antibiotics.

What are cephalosporins?

A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that prevent the formation of bacterial cell walls.

What are carbapenems?

Broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotics used to treat severe bacterial infections.

What distinguishes monobactams?

A class of antibiotics characterized by a unique single monocyclic beta-lactam ring structure.

How do sulfonamides work?

They inhibit bacterial growth by preventing the production of folic acid.

What is the function of fluoroquinolones?

They interfere with bacterial DNA synthesis and replication.

What are macrolides?

A class of large molecular-sized antibiotics derived from streptomyces, with a macrocyclic ring structure.

What are aminoglycosides?

Potent, bactericidal antibiotics used to treat serious bacterial infections, especially by gram-negative bacteria.

What do tetracyclines do?

They inhibit bacterial growth by blocking protein synthesis.

What is acyclovir used for?

An antiviral drug used in the treatment of herpes and AIDS.

What is oseltamivir used for?

An antiviral medication used to treat and prevent the flu.

What are the risks associated with chronic hepatitis?

Cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

What is the goal of HIV treatment with antiretrovirals?

Viral suppression, immune restoration, improved health, and prevention of transmission.

What do azoles target?

They are widely used as antifungal agents.

What are topical antifungals?

Medications applied directly to treat superficial fungal infections.

What is Amphotericin B?

A powerful antifungal medication used for serious, life-threatening fungal infections.

What is isoniazid?

A bacteriostatic drug used to treat tuberculosis (TB).

What is vancomycin used for?

A bacterial antibiotic used against resistant strains of streptococcus and staphylococcus.

How do broad spectrum antibiotics differ from narrow spectrum?

Broad spectrum targets a wide range of bacteria while narrow spectrum targets only specific types.

What does the term 'antimicrobial' refer to?

Agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

What is the significance of cell wall synthesis in antimicrobial action?

Inhibition of cell wall synthesis is a common target for antimicrobial drugs.

What kind of infections do aminoglycosides primarily treat?

Serious bacterial infections, especially those caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Which antibiotics are part of the cephalosporin class?

Cephalexin, cefprozil, ceftriaxone, and cefepime.

What type of structure do azoles have?

A five-membered heterocyclic ring containing nitrogen.

What is the role of folic acid in bacteria?

Folic acid is an essential nutrient for growth and replication.

What structure characterizes tetracyclines?

They are broad-spectrum and inhibit growth by blocking protein synthesis.

What is a pathogen?

An organism causing disease to a host.

What common drug is an example of a fluoroquinolone?

Levofloxacin.