L08-Antibiotic resistance and Healthcare associated infections? Flashcards
What is the most common target for antibiotics and what is the name for this type of antibiotic?
The most common target is the bacterial cell wall and the name of these antibiotics are beta lactam.
How do tetracyclines and aminoglycosides work?
They interfere with binding by binding to specific sites on bacterial ribosomes.
How do sulphanilamides work?
They competitively inhibit a molecule in the bacterial production of folic acid. Without folic acid the bacteria die.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
It is the lack of effect of an antimicrobial in a patient against a previously susceptible bacterium.
How is antimicrobial resistance measured?
Doubling dilutions of the antimicrobial are prepared then the bacteria is attemptedly grown in each solution. The solution which fails to show growth is referred to as the minimum inhibitory concentration.
How did bacteria develop resistance to penicillin?
By producing penicillinase which breaks down penicillin. This is due to cleavage of the beta lactam ring.
What are synthetic penicillins? give some examples?
They have different side chains added to the betalactam ring in order to prevent the effects of penicillinase. Examples are amoxicillin, cloxacillin and flucloxacillin.
Which gene leads to MRSA?
The PBP2A gene
What is the treatment of MRSA?
Either a toxic and not very effective antibiotic vancomycin or through strict control measures to prevent spread (not really treatment)
