LEC 34 Antimicrobials II Flashcards
How do polymyxins (colistin = polymixin E) work?
- destroys the cell membrane
- most active against Gram-negative bc of the presence of the outer membrane
- low levels of resistance
- active against non-growing cells
- HIGHLY toxic and destroys eukaryotic cell membranes also –> NOT USED OFTEN
- Generally topical use only; systemic use restricted to tx of serious gram negative infxns
Why has colistin been used more in recent years?
d/t the appearance of panresistant bacteria (Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter spp)
However, resistance appearing d/t enzyme that modifies lipid A
How does Daptomycin (Cubicin) work?
- Active against GRAM POSITIVE (including MRSA)
- Exact MOA unknown - binds cytoplasmic membrane resulting in depolarization and disrupts cellular functions (Bactericidal)
- Not active against gram-negative - can’t pass OM
- Not active in the lungs - ie not useful for pneumonia
What two classes of drugs are cell wall inhibitors?
- Beta Lactams
- Glycopeptides
What is the largest class of cell wall inhibiting abx?
Beta-lactams
What are the classes of beta-lactams?
- Penicillins
- Cephalosporins
- Carbapenems
- Monobactams
What is the defining structure of a beta-lactam?
a four membered ring
How do beta-lactams function?
- target penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibit transglycosylation and transpeptidation of cell wall
- impairs wall remodelling (disrupts cell division)
- induces autolysins (cell lysis)
- Bactericidal, but only against growing cells
What structure is characteristic of beta lactams?
a 4 membered ring
How is the beta lactam function considered bactericidal?
- Impairs wall remodeling - disrupts cell division
- Induces autolysins - cell lysis
Bactericidal, but ONLY AGAINST GROWING CELLS
Do beta lactams work on gram negatives?
Yes, but it depends on whether it can pass the porins.
Much more effective for gram positive
What is a form of resistance to beta lactams?
Production of beta lactamases - degrades 4 membered ring
Generally plasmid encoded
How have drug developers overcome this resistance issue of beta lactamases?
They started making beta lactamase inhibitors that are generally given in combo with the beta lactam
Suicide inhibitors of beta lactamases
What are some of the beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor drugs?
- Ampicillin + sulbactam = Unasyn
- Amoxicillin + clavulanate = Augmentin
- Ticarcillin + clavulanate = Timentin
- Piperacillin + tazobactam = Zosyn
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Gram negative bacillus that has developed pan resistance
other pan resistance: Acinetobacter and Klebsiella
How do you treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infxn?
High dose aminoglycoside (tobramycin) + Extended spectrum penicillin/beta-lactamase inhibitor (ticaricillin-clavulanate or piperacillin-tazobactam)