Infectious diseases

Question 1

What group of antibiotics work by inhibiting the synthesis of the peptoglycan layer of the cell wall?

Answer 1

B-Lactam Antibacterials

Question 2

Give some examples of beta-lactam antibacterials?

Answer 2

Benzyl penicillin
Ampicillin
Amoxicillin
Flucloxacillin
Piperacillin

Question 3

What are some side effects caused by B-Lactam inhibitors?

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity including rashes, fever, urticaria
Diarrhoea (c. diff)
Interstitial Nephritis
Cholestatic jaundice

Question 4

What side effect of B-Lactam antibacterial can occur when given at high doses in patients with renal failure?

Answer 4

Encephalopathy with seizures

Question 5

What type of B-Lactam antibacterial can cause a non-allergenic maculopapular rash in patients with glandular fever?

Answer 5

Aminopenicillins e.g. amoxicillin

this is why benzylpenicillins are given in tonsillitis

Question 6

What antibacterial alternative is there for patients who are allergic/hypersensitive to B-Lactam antibacterials?

Answer 6

Macrolides

Question 7

What group of antibiotics inhibit the bacterial wall synthesis, and what group of antibiotics are they similar to?

Answer 7

Cephalosporins

Similar to B-Lactam inhibitors

Question 8

How are cephalosporins usually classified?

Answer 8

Generations

Question 9

What is the difference between generations of cephalosporins?

Answer 9

As you descend the generations, they have increased activity against gram negative bacilli and increased ability to cross the blood brain barrier

Question 10

Give an example of a 1st generation cephalosporin and the available routes of administration?

Answer 10

Cefalexin

Oral, Capsule and suspension

Question 11

Give an example of a 2nd generation cephalosporin and the available routes of administration?

Answer 11

Cefaclor
- capsules, oral and suspension

Cefuroxime
- Tablets, Suspension, Injection, IM and IV

Question 12

Give an example of a 3rd generation cephalosporin and the available routes of administration?

Answer 12

Cefotaxime
- Injection (IV/IM),

Ceftazidime
- Injection either IM or IV

Question 13

List some side effects of cephalosporins:

Answer 13

Skin rashes
Nausea and Vomiting
Diarrhoea (C. Diff)
Hypersensitivity - 10% of patients who are allergic to penicillin will also be allergic to cephalosporins

Question 14

When are cephalosporins contraindicated?

Answer 14

Penicillin hypersensitivity

maybe when increased risk of C. Diff

Question 15

What group of antibiotics inhibit the protein synthesis in bacteria by irreversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal unit?

Answer 15

Aminoglycosides

Question 16

How does the irreversible binding of the 30S ribosomal unit affect the bacteria?

Answer 16

It inhibits the translation from mRNA to protein, therefore Aminoglycosides are bactericidal

Question 17

Give an example of aminoglycosides and its routes of administration:

Answer 17

Gentamicin

Injection - IV/IM