Basic Microbiology

Question 1

Which pathogens do Penicillins work against?

Answer 1

Streptococci, pneumococci, and menigococci.

Question 2

Which pathogens do cephalosporins work against and what is there a risk of causing?

Answer 2

1. Gram +ve and -ve

2. High risk of C. difficile infection

Question 3

When would you use carbapenems to treat infection?

Answer 3

Resistant organisms and patients with penicillin allergy

Question 4

Which group do these antibiotics belong to and how must they be given?
Gentamicin, amikacin, streptomycin

Answer 4

1. Aminoglycosides

2. IV

Question 5

Which pathogens do aminoglycosides have activity against?

Answer 5

Gram -ve

Question 6

Which group do these antibiotics belong to and which pathogens do they have activity against?
Erythromycin, clarithromycin

Answer 6

1. Macrolides

2. Gram +ve (especially in penicillin allergy)

Question 7

Which group do these antibiotics belong to and how must they be given?
Vancomycin and teicoplanin

Answer 7

1. Glycopeptides

2. IV

Question 8

Which pathogens do glycopeptides have activity against?

Answer 8

1. Gram +ve

2. MRSA

Question 9

What type of antibiotic is doxycycline?

Answer 9

Tetracycline

Question 10

What type of antibiotic is ciprofloxacin, what is it used for, and what is there a risk of developing with it?

Answer 10

1. Quinolone
2. Gram -ve, complicated UTIs and GI infections
3. High risk of C. difficile infection

Question 11

Which pathogens does metronidazole have activity against?

Answer 11

Gram -ve