Antibiotics Flashcards
What is an antibiotic?
Antibacterial compound
Inhibit the growth of, and/or kill bacteria
Where do antibiotics come from?
Produced by microorganisms or plants
Synthesised
So, either found or designed
What is an antimicrobial?
Anti-virals
Anti-bacterials
Anti-fungals
Anti-malarials
What is antimicrobial chemotherapy?
Control of infectious diseases
20th century phenomenon
What are the two types of antibiotic use in people?
Treatment of bacterial infection
Phrophylaxis to prevent bacterial infection
What are the four targets of antibacterials?
Cell wall synthesis inhibitors
Cell membrane lysis
Protein synthesis inhibitors
Nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors
Are antibiotics specific for bacteria?
Yes
Humans don’t have cell walls
Proteins differ in prokaryotes vs eukaryotes
Metabolic pathways differ
How to know which antibiotic to use?
Typical pathogen for that site of infection
Antibiotics that work well against that pathogen
Laboratory evaluation
What is an E test?
Determines the minimum inhibitory concentration of an antibiotic for a certain bacteria
What is minimum inhibitory concentration?
Lowest dilution of drug that inhibits growth
What three things must be considered when using antibiotics?
Speed of action
Sensitivity of target
Adverse events
What is a breakpoint concentration?
The concentration below which bacteria are classed as susceptible
What is synergy?
Combined effect of both drugs greater than one alone
What is antagonism?
Combined effect is less
What is indifference?
Each drug no better alone or together
