Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Flashcards
What is antimicrobial chemotherapy?
The use of chemical substances to treat infections caused by microorganisms.
True or False: Antimicrobial agents can only be used to treat bacterial infections.
False
Name one class of antimicrobial agents.
Antibiotics
What does the term ‘spectrum of activity’ refer to?
The range of different microorganisms affected by an antimicrobial agent.
Fill in the blank: Antimicrobial agents that kill bacteria are known as __________.
bactericidal
What is the primary mechanism of action for beta-lactam antibiotics?
Inhibition of cell wall synthesis.
True or False: Resistance to antimicrobial agents can be acquired through mutation.
True
What is the difference between broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum antibiotics?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics target a wide range of bacteria, while narrow-spectrum antibiotics are effective against specific types.
Name a common side effect of antimicrobial therapy.
Gastrointestinal disturbances.
What is the purpose of susceptibility testing?
To determine the effectiveness of an antimicrobial agent against a specific microorganism.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the phenomenon where microorganisms develop resistance to multiple drugs.
Multidrug resistance
What is the role of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in antimicrobial chemotherapy?
It indicates the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that prevents visible growth of a microorganism.
True or False: Antivirals are a type of antimicrobial agent.
True
What is the mechanism of action of tetracyclines?
Inhibition of protein synthesis.
What does the term ‘post-antibiotic effect’ mean?
The prolonged effect of an antibiotic even after its concentration falls below the MIC.
Name one strategy to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
Using antibiotics only when necessary.
What is a common method for administering antimicrobial agents?
Orally or intravenously.
True or False: All antibiotics are derived from natural sources.
False
What is the significance of the therapeutic index in antimicrobial therapy?
It measures the safety margin of an antimicrobial agent.
Fill in the blank: __________ is the process by which bacteria exchange genetic material, potentially spreading resistance.
Horizontal gene transfer
What is the role of probiotics during antimicrobial therapy?
To help restore the natural flora of the gut.
Name a factor that can influence the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.
Drug interactions.
What is the primary target of antifungal agents?
Fungal cell membranes.
True or False: Antimicrobial chemotherapy can impact the human microbiome.
True
What does the term ‘synergy’ refer to in the context of antimicrobial therapy?
The enhanced effectiveness of two or more antimicrobial agents used together.
What is a potential consequence of overusing antibiotics?
Increased antimicrobial resistance.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a type of antimicrobial that specifically targets viruses.
Antiviral
What is the function of the CDC in relation to antimicrobial use?
To monitor and control the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
True or False: All infections require antimicrobial treatment.
False
What is the importance of patient compliance in antimicrobial therapy?
To ensure the effectiveness and prevent resistance.
What are aminoglycosides primarily used for?
Treating serious bacterial infections.
