Antimicrobial Agents

Question 1

List characteristics of an ideal antimicrobial agent

Answer 1

• kill/inhibit growth of pathogens
• No damage to host
• Stable
• Remain in tissues long enough to be effective
• Kill pathogens before they mutate and become resistant

Question 2

Types of antibacterial agents

Answer 2

1. Bacteriostatic
   - Sulfonamides - inhibit folic acid production
   - Tetracyclines and Microlides (low dose) - inhibit protein synthesis
2. Bactericidal
   - Penicillins and Cephalosporins - inhibit cell wall synthesis
   - Aminoglycosides and Microlides (high dose) - protein synthesis
   - Fluoroquinolones - DNA synthesis
3. Narrow-spectrum
   - Colistin and Nalidixic
4. Broad-spectrum
   - Ampicillin, Tetracycline
5. Multi-drug Therapy

Question 3

When 2 antimicrobials work together, better than 1 antimicrobial it’s called _______

Answer 3

Synergism

Question 4

The opposite of synergism is _______

Answer 4

Antagonism

Question 5

3 ways in which antifungals work

Answer 5

1. binding with cell membrane sterols
2. interfering with sterol synthesis
3. blocking mitosis or nucleic acid synthesis

Question 6

Ways to administer antimicrobial agents

Answer 6

1. oral
2. parenteral
3. intramuscular

Question 7

How does bacteria become resistant to drugs?

Answer 7

Intrinsic resistance
Acquired resistance through mutations
Developing Multi Drug Resistance pumps

Question 8

_______ occurs when B-lactam ring is destroyed by _______

Answer 8

MDR; B-lactamases