Antimicrobial Agents Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key definitions and concepts related to antimicrobial agents, their mechanisms of action, and classifications.

6-APA

6-Aminopenicillanic Acid, the basic structural unit of penicillins.

AE

Adverse Effects, unwanted reactions or side effects of a drug.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

DRESS

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, a severe drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction.

HAART

Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Treatment, a therapy for HIV/AIDS.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS.

MRSA

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to several antibiotics.

TB

Tuberculosis, a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs.

aminoglycosides

A class of antibiotics that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.

Fluoroquinolones

A class of antibiotics that inhibit DNA gyrase and are bactericidal.

Sulfonamides

A group of drugs that inhibit the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that have a thick peptidoglycan layer and stain purple in a gram stain.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane, staining pink in a gram stain.

Cephalosporins

A class of antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis similar to penicillins.

Penicillins

A group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi, used to kill bacteria.

Macrolides

Antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.

Vancomycin

An antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, especially MRSA.

Cytomegalovirus

A common virus that can cause disease in immunocompromised patients.

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD)

A sudden worsening of COPD symptoms, requiring additional treatment.

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the advanced stage of HIV infection.

NRTIs

Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, a type of antiviral drug used to fight HIV.

NNRTIs

Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, a class of antiretroviral drugs.

Protease Inhibitors (PIs)

Antiviral drugs that inhibit the protease enzyme, preventing viral replication.