Chapter+12+Antimicrobial+Treatment

Penicillin

• Introduction to penicillin as a revolutionary antimicrobial drug.

• Recognized for saving lives, especially in military settings during WWII.

Overview of Antimicrobial Drugs

• Importance of antimicrobial drugs in controlling microorganisms in healthcare and industry.

History of Antimicrobial Drugs

Key Discoveries

• 1909: Paul Ehrlich develops Compound 606 (Salvarsan), the first synthetic antimicrobial effective against syphilis.

• 1928: Discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming; initial recognition of its antibacterial properties.

• Early 1940s: Development and mass production of penicillin, primarily during WWII, rapidly saving countless lives.

• 1943: Discovery of Streptomycin by Selman Waksman, effective against tuberculosis.

Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Drugs

Categories of Action

• Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors: β-lactams, penicillins, glycopeptides.

• Protein Synthesis Inhibitors: Tetracyclines, macrolides.

• Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors: Fluoroquinolones, rifamycins.

• Membrane Function Disruptors: Polymyxins, lipopeptides.

Common Classes of Antimicrobial Drugs

• β-lactams: Include penicillins, cephalosporins, effective primarily against Gram-positive bacteria.

• Protein Synthesis Inhibitors: Subdivided into aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, and macrolides.

• Antimetabolites: Sulfonamides, trimethoprim that inhibit folic acid synthesis.

Drug Resistance

• Various mechanisms: enzymatic inactivation, target modification, efflux pumps, biofilm formation, horizontal gene transfer.

• Overuse/misuse of antibiotics significantly contributes to resistance development.

Importance of Antibiotic Stewardship

• Emphasizes responsible use of antibiotics to prolong effectiveness and reduce resistance.

Challenges in Developing New Antimicrobial Drugs

• Declining new drug approvals due to high R&D costs and rapid resistance emergence.

• Encouragement for alternative treatments, such as bacteriophages.

Summary of Key Concepts

• Understanding the mechanisms and classifications of antimicrobial drugs is crucial for combating infections effectively.

• Recognizing the challenges in drug development and the importance of stewardship is vital for maintaining drug efficacy.