Neuro Antibiotics Flashcards
Metronidazole is a prodrug that is active against anaerobic bacteria and anaerobic protozoal microorganisms.
What is its MOA?
Anaerobic microorganisms contain electron transport components that have high enough negative redox potential to donate electrons to metronidazole
When an electron is donated to metronidazole, a highly reactive nitro radical anion is formed. This ion mediates the killing of susceptible organisms by radial-mediated DNA damage
Note that Mitronidazole can be catalytically recycled by losing the added electron, allowing it to move back and forth between active and inactive state
Primary mechanism of metronidazole resistance
Resistance to metronidazole correlates with impaired O2 scavenging, which leads to increased intracellular O2 levels and decreased activation of the drug
[increased O2 levels promote recycling of active nitro radical back to inactive metronidazole form]
What are some specific organisms that metronidazole is active against?
In general, active against anaerobes
T.vaginalis
G.lamblia
E.histolytica (protozoan)
Helicobacter species
Campylobacter species
Gram-positive bacilli such as Clostridium species
Adverse effects of mitronidazole
Unique adverse effects include metallic taste in the mouth and disulfiram-like effects - meaning that vomiting may be induced if patient ingests alcohol within 3 days of taking metronidazole
Other common adverse effects include dry mouth, nausea, and headache
Pathogen(s) implicated in neonates with acute pyogenic meningitis
E.coli
Group B streptococci
Pathogen(s) implicated in infants with acute pyogenic meningitis
H.influenzae
Pathogen(s) implicated in adolescents/young adults with acute pyogenic meningitis
N.meningiditis
Pathogen(s) implicated in elderly with acute pyogenic meningitis
S.pneumoniae
L.monocytogenes
Standard empiric treatment for acute pyogenic meningitis
[Cefotaxime or Ceftriaxone] + Vancomycin
Add ampicillin in older patients (>50 years)
How would you treat acute pyogenic meningitis in a patient with a beta-lactam allergy?
Vancomycin + moxifloxacin
How would you treat acute pyogenic meningitis in a patient over 50 with a beta-lactam allergy?
Vancomycin + moxifloxacin + TMP/SMX
How would you treat acute pyogenic meningitis in an immunocompromised patient?
Vancomycin + ampicillin + [cefepime or meropenem]
Pathogens most often implicated in acute aseptic (viral) meningitis
Enteroviruses (coxsackievirus, echovirus)
How would you treat a case of meningitis if it is unclear as to whether it is a bacterial or viral cause?
Start antibiotics soon after lumbar puncture, and send CSF for culture
If bacterial cultures are negative, then discontinue abx
Most common pathogens implicated in brain abscess
Strep viridans
Staph aureus
An antibiotic for brain abscess is chosen based upon origin of abscess and probable pathogen involved.
What is the empiric therapy of brain abscess wtih an unknown source?
Vancomycin + [ceftriaxone or cefotaxime] + metronidazole
Medication used for brain abscess that covers aerobic and anaerobic streptococci (mouth flora)
Penicillin G