Antimicrobials

Question 1

List 4 key issues with antimicrobial drugs

Answer 1

1. Only kill or inhibit actively multiplying microbes
2. Spectrum can be too broad or too narrow
3. Can impact on normal microflora
4. Can cause selection pressure resulting in reistant strains

Question 2

Clinical uses of Chlorhexidine:

Answer 2

• Skin cleanser before surgery
• Antiseptic for wounds
• Disinfectant for implants/tubing
• Mouthwash

Question 3

Off target effects of Chlorhexidine

Answer 3

• LOTS as broad spectrum
• Irritant to tissues
• Stains teeth
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Linked with bacterial resistance against B-lactams
• Minimal systemic absorption

Question 4

2 Classes of antibiotics which target the cell wall

Answer 4

• Chlorhexidine
• Beta lactams

Question 5

Beta-lactams cause holes in what layer of bacteria

Answer 5

Peptidoglycan

Question 6

List 4 off-target effects of Beta-Lactams

Answer 6

• Anaphylaxis/hypersensitivity
• Antibiotic associated colitis
• Rash
• Linked to enamel hypoplasia and fluorosis in infants

Question 7

Class of Antibiotics which target the ribosome

Example:

Answer 7

Amino-glycosides eg Gentamycin

Question 8

Antibiotic class which targets the DNA and an example

Answer 8

Nitroimidazoles eg Metronidazole

Question 9

Two classes of antifungals which interfere with cholesterol synthesis in the plasma membrane

Answer 9

• Polyenes
• Azoles

Question 10

2 main classes of anti-virals

Answer 10

• Neurominidase inhibitors
• Nucleotide analogues

Question 11

Antiviral often used for HSV

Answer 11

Acyclovir