Infection Therapies Flashcards
What is selective toxicity?
Process within bacteria which are more susceptible to antibiotics than the equivalent process in the host
Antibiotics should be designed to interrupt biological processes which are not found in humans but are essential for survival in bacteria
Why does bacteria have a cell wall?
A single cell and exposed, membrane is insufficient so needs wall
Protects from mechanical damage and osmotic pressure
Bacteria is high salt concentration cell wall prevents bacterial lysis
What is the wall structure like of a gram-positive cell?
Dense layer composed of numerous rows of peptidoglycan, thick cell wall
What is the wall structure like of a gram-negative cell?
Thin inner layer of peptidoglycan, then an outer membrane on top of that (double membrane structure)
Describe and explain the bacterial cell wall:
Mixture of polysaccharides and lipids:
NAM|NAG|NAM
| a.a chains |
V - — ——- V
peptide chains bound to NAM sugars due to carboxylic acid side chain
—–= cross linking so rigidity increases
Have some D a.a to provide resistance (unnatural)
Why has penicillin got a B lactam structure?
B lactam much more reactive than a typical amide because of the strained ring system defavours resoance, makes it very reactive and susceptible to nucleophilic attack
How does penicillin work?
Inhibit the enzyme transpeptidase in a cell wall that cross links the cell wall as it has a similar structure of peptidoglycan D-Ala-D-ala so can bind in the active site
B lactam sits in the same position in amide bond of natural substrate which binds to seriene in A/S
Covalent inhibitor
What normally occurs in the cell wall formation of a bacteria?
Sereine hydroxyl performs nucleophilic attack at terminal amide bond of D-alanine an displaces it, forms and ester linkage
Ester is reactive and the peptide chain comes along and forms cross link
Why is Penicillin G acid sensitive?
- Carbonyl in B lactam ring is highly susceptible to nucleophilic attack
- Acid catalysed ring opening of the highly strained 4 membered lactam ring releases strain
- The neighbouring acyl group can actively participate in an intramolecular mechanism to open the lactam ring, so can’t be a covalent inhibitor beta-lactam could’ve destroyed
How can penicillin be modified to make it less acid sensitive?
Limiting neighbouring (R side chain) group activity by adding an electron withdrawing group
Pulls electron density away so carbonyl oxygen less likely to donate electron to B lactam
What are penicillin resistant bacteria and how do they work?
Resistance because enzymes catalyse the hydrolysis of penicillin, B- lactamase enzymes
B- lactamase has the same sereine- OH group in the active site so penicillin can bind, but leaves enough space for water to come in and hydrolyse penicillin and inactivate it
What are two ways that B lactamase sensitivity can be reduced?
- Penicillin analogues that are not recognised by B lactamase
- Co-administrate B- lactamase inhibitors
Describe an example of a penicillin derivative which isn’t identified by B lactamase?
Bulky R side chains such as an aromatic group with methyl side chains
Acts as a steric shield
Can bind to transpeptidsae but not B lactamase
What is an example of a B lactamase inhibitor?
Clavulanic acid
Binds in B lactamase A/S and undergoes nucleophilic attack and produces intermediate
Covalent inhibitor
Needs to be administered with penicillin
Why is it difficult to treat Gram -ve bacteria?
Has to get through cell membrane to get to cell wall
Also has to pass through periplasmic space which contain enzymes which drug can be hydrolysed
Passes through using porins which can pump back out the antibiotic as foreign material
What are broad spectrum antibiotics?
Can target both Gram-ve and Gram+ve bacteria
What is semisynthesis of penicillin?
Fermentation of penicillin fungi cultures
Penicillin amylase which can hydrolyse it and remove side chain, got to hydrolyse it acymatically as B lactams are very reactive, can be easily modified after
Why are cephalosporins used and how are they different to penicillin?
Activity against some penicillin resistant bacteria because of resistance against B lactamase
Lower activity than penicillins so need higher doses, but more broader spectrum
Similar to penicillin is but feature a six membered ring fuse to the beta-lactam so has less ring strain, so more stable to acid hydrolysis than the penicillin
Why are cephalosporins more stable in acidic conditions but still reactive?
The six membered ring causes the structure to be less strained so the amide bond is less reactive, so less readily hydrolysed in acidic conditions
Still reactive as curly arrow goes further down to remove acid to make it more reactive
How are cephalosporins inactivated?
Metabolic hydrolysis of the acetate reduces compound activity
Hydrolysis changes acetate to a OH group which isn’t as good of a leaving group as the acetate so reduces activity
How would you decrease the inactivation of cephalosporins?
Remove acetate group
Well absorbed as less polar but reduced activity as methyl group isn’t as good leaving group
OR
change it to a cephaloridine
How does vancomycin work?
A glycopeptide antibiotic inhibits peptidoglycan cross linking by binding to the D-ala, D-ala terminus of the cross linking peptide, similar to penicillins and cephalosporins but does this in a different way
It binds to the substrate rather than the enzyme by binding to the substrate it means the substrate can’t fit in the active site of the transpeptidase enzyme
What is the bonding in vancomycin?
Amide carbonyl on vancomycin structure
Amide NH of D alanine unit, hydrogen bonding
What occurs in vancomycin resistance?
In vancomycin resistant bacteria, instead of the final D-alanine, they have D-lactic acid
This means there is an ester linkage rather than an amide linkage, so no NH for critical binding, instead there are two oxygens so repel each other
The ester linkage is tolerated by transpeptidase but not by vancomycin
How is drug resistance tackled?
Combination therapies
Less chance of bacteria mutation and resisting against both types of antibiotics
How do sulphonamides work as an antibacterial?
Antimetabolite
Inhibit folic acid biosynthesis
Inhibit dihydropteroate synthase so can’t produce tetrahydriofolate which folic acid is essential for bacterial survival
Produces something other than folic acid
Competitive inhibitor
What is prontosil and what does it work for?
Active in vivo but not in vitro
Due to it being a prodrug metabolised in gut to give sulfonamide
Limited applications due to toxicity:
UTIs, mucous membrane infections, Gut infections
What does bacteriostatic mean and how does sulphonamide do this?
Stop bacteria cell growth,
Blocking folic acid synthesis blocks nucleic acid synthesis, hence cell growth and division stops
How can sulphonamides not stop folic acid production in humans?
They target a metabolic pathway that aren’t found in humans as we don’t biosynthesise folic acid
Bacteria lack transport proteins required for folic acid uptake
What does bactericidal mean and give an example:
Kills bacteria, e.g penicillin as inhibits cell wall synthesis
What does stronger binding of sulfonamides to blood and plasma mean for release of drug and vice versa?
Slower release= long acting
Fast release= short acting
Describe a way a sulfonamide is changed to reduce toxicity:
The 1º NH2 is prone to enzymatic acylation in blood
Can be fatal if the acylated product precipitates and blocks kidney tubule
Replacing the thiazole unit with pyrimidine solves the problem even if molecule doesn’t solubilise, it won’t precipitate
What are two ways of increasing sulfonamide drug resistance?
- Increasing intracellular conc of PABA as sulfonamide reversible competitive inhibitor of dihydropteroate synthase
- Enzyme mutations, mutations which prevent sulfonamide binding but still natural substrate (PABA turnover)
How does trimethoprim work?
Anitmetabolite
Antibiotic and antimalarial
Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase so inhibits conversion of folic acid into tetrahydrofolate
Often used in conjunction with sufamethoxazole to prevent resistance- sequential blocking
Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase which is found in humans, however there are structural differences between human and bacterial enzymes so only bind to bacterial
How do aminoglycosides work?
Protein synthesis inhibitors
Bactericidal, broad spectrum
Made of amino sugar structures with the ring being the drug
e.g streptomycin, kanamycin
How does chloramphenicol work and give details about it:
Protein synthesis inhibitors
Bacteriostatic, broad spectrum
Quite toxic but okay for topical use
Binds to large ribosomal subunit and blocks peptide bond formation
When is chloramphenicol not okay to use?
In newborn babies, inadequately metabolised so causes Grey baby syndrome
How do macrolides work and give details about it:
Inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria
Large cyclic structures with sugars coming off it
Not for use in combo with chloramphenicol as binds to same region of ribosome so would compete
Unstable in stomach acids, can be taken orally and coated tablet formulations
e.g ethromycin, clarithromycin
How do tetracyclines work and give details about it:
Inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria
Most widely prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotic after penicillin
Bind to small ribosome subunit, preventing tRNA binding
Protein release is also inhibited
Have stronger affinity for Mg2+ and Ca2+
Transported into cells by active transport and diffusion
Name 4 ways in which bacteria cause drug resistance:
- Target enzyme mutation, prevent Abs from binding to them
- Enzymatic modification to inactivate the drug
- Modified cell membrane structure preventing getting in or make them get out
- Resistance by genetic transfer
Describe two ways in which drug resistance occurs by genetic transfer:
Transduction- bacteriophages transfer resistance in genes in DNA plasmids by infecting other cells
Conjugation- genetic material exchanged directly via connecting bridges (sex pili) between 2 cells
Describe how HIV infects a cell:
HIV reverse transcriptase changes RNA into ssDNA into DNA
HIV intergrase catalyses viruses DNA into nucleus of a cell, so viral DNA is being produced to make viral RNA into polyproteins
HIV protease cuts polypeptide chain to produce proteins
These gather and bud at the surface of the membrane and virion released
This causes the host cell to rupture
HIV targets immune cells and that’s why HIV patients are immunocompromised
How is the sugar phosphate backbone of DNA elongated?
DNA polymerase catalyses reaction so that the phosphate group nucleotide is phosphorylated eliminate to leave the alpha phosphate and join the hydroxyl group
How do viral DNA polymerase inhibitors work?
Not having the hydroxyl group so no longer elongation of DNA chains
How do nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors work for antiviral chemotherapies?
Competitive inhibitor
Don’t have triphosphate group as too polar to enter, once entered they can be biologically elaborated
Lacks a 3’ hydroxyl group, DNA chain terminators
What are the negative effects of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors?
Non-selective inhibition of mammalian DNA polymerases
Competing with natural nucleosides
How do non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors work for anti-viral chemotherapies?
Reversible Non- competitive inhibitor
Hydrophobic molecule
Bind to an allosteric binding site adjacent to the substrate binding
Show selectivity for HIV reverse transcriptase over host DNA polymerase
What is the resistance in a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and how is this over come?
Pan-class resistance mutation
Replacement of Lys-103 with asparagine
Combine NNRT with a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor at the start of treatment as binding sites are distinct
Describe the HIV protease and how it works?
Aspartyl Protease
Subunit A= acidic
Subunit B = basic
How does Saquinavir work?
HIV- protease inhibitor
Peptidomimetic
Replacement of an amide bond with a non hydrolysable bond
Froms a hydroxyethylamine
How does HIV- integrase work?
HIV integrase enzymatically splices the DNA form of the HIV genome into the human DNA
This way the virus utilises the host cell to copy its DNA and also translated into copies of its own proteins in order to replicate
How do HIV- fusion inhibitors work?
Structurally similar to HIV proteins responsible for fusion of the virus to cell membranes and subsequent intracellular uptake
Binds to surface of HIV cells (GP-41 protein)
HIV virus can’t recognise cells it wants to effect so no fusion to CD4 cells
Needs to be administered by injection as large protein structure
e.g enfurvitide
What happens when mutation occurs towards HIV fusion inhibitors?
Mutation in HIV GP-41 protein to prevent enfurvitide to bind but can still fuse to CD4 receptors
How does aciclovir work?
Selective viral DNA polymerase inhibitor
Prodrug
Converted to triphosphate structure and then acts as DNA chain terminator has no hydroxyl group
How is acyclovir a selective antiviral?
The first activation step is only catalysed by thymidine kinase produced by the virus, so only activated in cells which are infected
What are the features of famciclovir?
Pro drug of penciclovir
Longer duration of action, increased stability due to removal of oxygen ring
What is the function of neuraminidase on the influenza virus?
Catalyses the cleavlege of terminal sugar molecule from glycoproteins and glycolipids
Important for releasing the virus from host cells after bidding
Name a neuraminidase inhibitor and how does it work?
Zanamivir
Hydroxyl group replaced to guanine unit
Competitive inhibitor
Poor bioavailability so needs to be inhaled
Name a different neuraminidase inhibitor and how does it work?
Oseltamivir (tamiflu)
Add NH2 instead of hydroxyl unit
Activated by esterase’s in GIT
What is the cell membrane of a fungi made up of?
Ergosterol
What are the three targets for anti fungal therapy?
Cell membrane
DNA synthesis
Cell wall
How is the cell membrane in fungi made and how is this similar to human cell membrane, what needs to be targeted?
In early stages of ergosterol its the same as making cholesterol up to lanosterol
14a-demthylase is a fungal enzyme which removes methyl group which converts to ergosterol
Need to make a drug which inhibits membrane formation after lanosterol
How do azoles work as an anti fungal?
This is a multistep process, the azole nitrogen binding to the cytochrome p450 co factor, an iron containing macrocycle
Inhibit C-14 demethylation as its a cytochrome p450 and adds hydroxyl group so leaves no space for oxygen binding as the nitrogen azole binding
Describe polyenes and give an example:
Interfere with cell membrane structure
Natural macrocyclic lactones, which are amphipathic in nature
e.g nystatin, natamycin
Long cyclic structure with hydroxyl group on one side (polar) and alkene on other side (hydrophobic)
Has sugar on the end
How do polyenes work?
They inbed within the membrane
Polyenes can interact with ergosterol
The hydrophobic side interact with ergosterol
The polar side interacts with each other
This means creating a hole in the cell membrane so things e.g. salts leak out of the cell
The sugar can interact with hydroxyl group on ergosterol
How do DNA/RNA antifungals work and give an example:
e.g Flucytosine
Looks similar to naturally occurring nucleotide
Taken up to fungal cells as they have enzyme called cytosine permeate, humans lack this
Once inside, enzyme called cytosine deaminase converts it to fluorouracil which can be taken into RNA and changes the structure and affects protein biosynthesis
Flurouracil can be converted to thymidine monophosphate through uridine
If thymidine synthase is inhibited then DNA synthesis is also inhibited
What are the disadvantages of DNA/RNA antifungals?
Restricted spectrum activity
Acquired resistance due to:
- monotherpy
- rapid onset
What are clinical uses of DNA/RNA antifungals?
No mono therapy (resistance)
Used for candidiasis/ cryptococcosis
In combo with amphotericin or fluconazole
What is the viscosity of vaginal discharge influenced by?
Stage of menstruation
Oral contraceptive
Pregnancy
Where does vaginal discharge come from?
From glands
Contains shed epithelial cells and glycogen
Glycogen broken down into lactic acid (pH 4-5)
What can be causes of non infective pathological change in vaginal discharge?
Pain and bleeding away from normal menstries
Foreign body (TSS), contraception
Cervical polyps, cervical erosion
What can be causes of infective pathological change in vaginal discharge?
-Fungal
-Protozoal (TV) yellow/green discharge, foul smell (STI), GP for ab
-Bacterial (BV) grey discharge, fishy smell, GP for ab
-Viral (HIV, warts) Fluid filled vesicles, bumps
What type of infection is vaginal thrush?
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Yeast- Candida albicans
What can be the causes of vaginal thrush and why?
Pregnancy (decrease immune system, gestational diabetes)
Diabetes mellitus (increase levels of sugars, food for yeast, change in receptors of albicans so phagocytes can’t remove it)
Contraceptives, immunosuppressants, antibiotics
Other non medical factors (tight fitting clothes, local cleaning products)
What are the clinical symptoms of vaginal thrush in women?
Vulval pruritus (itchy) and white/ cream or curd like discharge, white plaques on vaginal wall or cervix
Dysuria (pain urination) and dyspareunia (pain on intercourse)
What are the clinical symptoms of thrush in men?
Vary from none to itching, burning and redness of glands on foreskin
Thick yellowish discharge
Penile shaft, scrotum, and groin occasionally involved
What are the referral red flags in vaginal thrush?
Under 16 or over 60
Reoccurance within 2 months or treatment failure
Factors that predispose to thrush e.g diabetes
What are OTC topical treatments to vaginal thrush and describe them:
Topical imidazoles:
Clotrimazole, econazole., miconazole
External cream (2%)
Internal cream (10%)
Pessary (500mg)
Use internal preparations at night as absorbs better
Can be used in combination
May affect latex condoms
What are OTC oral treatments to vaginal thrush and describe them:
Fluconazole
150mg single dose
Can be combined with external cream
12-24 hour improvement, 3 days max
Interactions:
-Anticoagulants -Ciclosporins -Phenytoin
Describe the mechanism of action of azoles:
Inhibits 14 a-demethylase
Disrupts ergosterol biosynthesis
Accumulation of methyl sterols- not effective cell wall
Membrane bound enzyme systems disrupted
What are POM treatments for vaginal thrush and describe them:
Oral itraconazole- 200mg BD for 1 day
Oral ketoconazole- 400mg OD cc for 5 days
^ POM as less specific for fungal and used for resistant/chronic cases
Topical nystatin- 14 day treatment, stains clothes yellow, for resistant cases
Topical provide- iodine (rare)
What is the advice for vaginal thrush medication to give to pregnant women?
Not a danger to foetus
Topical azoles preffered
What can oral thrush be caused by?
Breast feeding, dentures (incorrect use), antibiotics, dry mouth, steroids, and immunosuppresents
Is oral thrush common in babies and describe why?
1in 7 babies develop oral thrush in week 4
Clears up in 3-8 weeks
What are symptoms of oral thrush?
Milk curds in mouth, when wiped away leave red sore lesions, similar to vaginal thrush but in mouth
What are the referral red flags of oral thrush?
If there for more than 3 weeks
Lesions are more than 1cm, could be ulcers
Risk factors present but past history of diabetes etc
What is the OTC treatment for oral thrush and describe it:
Miconazole gel (QDS PC) for over 4 months old
Use after food and drink, to a clean mouth
Use for around a week
What are the POM treatment for oral thrush and describe it:
Nystatin and amphoteracin
- lozenge or oral suspension
Fluconazole and itraconazole (reserved)
- 7-14 days treatment
What are examples of fungal skin infections?
Tinea pedis (fungal foot), tinea capitis, tinea corporis
What is the general structure of a fungal skin infection ?
Raised edge, angular defined shape, usually itches, red and angry
What is Tinea Pedis?
Athletes foot
Thrive in warm moist conditions
More common in adult males
Usually starts near the little toe
Flakes, becomes white, macerated and begin peeling
Itchy and sore
What are lifestyle managements for athletes foot?
Clean, dry feet
Appropriate footwear and socks
Put socks on before underwear
Wear footwear in the gym/ changing room
Antifungal powder for shoe
What are OTC treatments for athletes foot?
Azoles- BD, TDS for 14 days from resolved
Terbinafine- OD-BD 7-14 days
What are referral signs in athletes foot?
Severe infections (large parts of foot)
Secondary bacterial infections -from itching, yellow crust
Diabetic (impaired circulation)
Treatment failure after 2 weeks
What are POM treatments for athletes foot and describe them:
Only necessary for severe/ extensive infections
Oral terbinafine (can affect liver so liver function tests)
-250mg OD for 4-6 weeks for tinea pedis
-250mg OD for 3-6 months for nail infections
Intraconazole, griseofulvin, fluconazole
What should be used to treat ring worm and why?
Canesten HC- not found in a moist area so may be more resistant
What is onychomycosis?
Fungal nail infection by dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds
What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection?
Starts in the nail bed and spreads causing the nail to become thickened, discoloured, flaky and may separate from nail bed
What is OTC treatment for a fungal nail infection?
Amorolfine nail lacquer (curanail)
Used to treat proximal and distal onychomycosis - proximal (nail bed) may be more resistant
Weekly application for up to 12 months, because it’s a slow-growing nail, often little difference in the first three months
What are the referral red flags in a fungal nail infection?
Nail plates destroyed
More than 2 nails affected
Proximal onychomycosis
Pregnancy/ breastfeeding
Under 18 years old
What is antimicrobial stewardship?
Measures design to ensure the optimal selection of therapy for patients for the best clinical outcome while minimising toxicity, also to minimise resistance
What is the TARGET toolkit in primary care?
Treat Antibiotics Responsibly Guidance, Education, Tools
Why are primary care pharmacists advised to report drug allergies to penicillin?
Some may not be allergies, may be tolerances, so having to use second line treatment rather than penicillin when not needed to
Why does Start Smart then Focus mean in terms of prescribing antibiotics?
Start smart- Allergies, sepsis- prompt effect
Focus- send microspecimen to lab, stop using broad spectrum ab, switch to oral from iv, continue to review in 24 hours
Why does clinical data need to be monitored when a patient is on antibiotics?
To see if the patient has an infection
If the patient is having the right Ab
Can the patient be switched from IV to oral
Can the Ab be stopped
What are near patient investigations?
Anything that can be observed that indicates an infection e.g pus from wound, green discoloured sputum etc
Why are microbiology microscopy and staining useful to look for infections?
Simple and cheap
Staining used to identify potential pathogen presence
Identifies gram -ve and gram +ve
Why are microbiology cultures useful to look for infections?
Enables clear identification of organism
Significance in bacterial count used to confirm diagnosis
e.g UTI= >10^5 organisms per mil