W3 - Antimicrobial agents 1 Flashcards
What are 3 general sites on the bacteria for abx to target?
- peptidoglycan layer of cell wall
- Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis
- DNA gyrase and other prokaryote-specific enzymes
Which abx classes (2) are inhibitors of cell wall synthesis?
(a) B-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems)
(b) Glycopeptides (Vancomycin and Teicoplanin)
Briefly describe Gram staining of G+ and G- bacteria
G+ = stain is trapped = stains purple
G- = peptidoglycan is thinner, and they have an outer membrane also = don’t retain the colour = stain pink
What are the subunits of a typical peptidoglycan wall?
NAG = N-acetylglucosamine NAM= N-acetylmuramic acid
and interdispersed peptide bonds
Describe MOA of B-lactams?
Which group of bacteria are they most efficient against?
MOA:
Inactivate the enzymes that are involved in the terminal stages of cell wall synthesis called transpeptidases (also known as penicillin binding proteins)
β-lactam is a structural analogue of the enzyme substrate = results in no peptide cross-links = cell walls not formed properly = bacteriolysis
- Active against rapidly-dividing bacteria
- Ineffective against bacteria that lack peptidoglycan cell walls (e.g. Mycoplasma or Chlamydia)
Are B-lactams bactericidal or bacteriostatic?
Bactericidal
Name the 4 main groups of B-lactam abx
- Penicillin (i.e. ampicillin)
- Cephalosporin (i.e. cefotaxime)
- Carbapenems (i.e. imipenem)
- Monobactam (i.e. carumonam)
Describe antibacterial spectrum of penicillin
Gram positive organisms; Streptococci, Clostridia; broken down by an enzyme (β-lactamase) produced by S. aureus
Describe antibacterial spectrum of amoxicillin
Broad spectrum penicillin; extends coverage to Enterococci and Gram negative organisms; broken down by β-lactamase produced by S. aureus and many Gram negative organisms
Describe antibacterial spectrum of flucloxacillin
Similar to penicillin although less active. Stable to β-lactamase produced by S. aureus.
Describe antibacterial spectrum of piperacillin
similar to amoxicillin, extends coverage to Pseudomonas and other non-enteric Gram negatives; broken down by β-lactamase produced by S. aureus and many Gram negative organisms
What are clavulanic acid and tazobactam? MOA?
β-lactamase inhibitors.
Protect penicillins from enzymatic breakdown and increase coverage to include S. aureus, Gram negatives and anaerobes
What is the difference between first, second, and third generation cephalosporins?
Increasing activity against G- bacilli with newer generations
Give drug names of cephalosporins belonging to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations
First generation = cephalexin
Second generation = cefuroxime
Third generation = cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime
Difference when prescribing co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime
Similar cover to co-amoxiclav but less active against anaerobes. Cefuroxime must be given with metronidazole to cover G-
Describe antibacterial spectrum of ceftriaxone
G+ and G-, but is associated with C diff - avoid usage in elderly patients if possible
Describe the antibacterial spectrum of ceftazidime
G+ and G-, anti-psuedomonas
What is the current issue with cephalosporins?
The rise in ESBL - extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing organisms which are resistant to ALL cephalosporins
Give drug names of carbapenems
Meropenem, Imipenem, Ertapenem
Describe antibacterial spectrum of carbapenems
G+ and G-, stable to ESBL enzymes
carbapenemase enzymes becoming widespread - multi-drug resistant Actinobacter and Klebsiella
Describe toxicity, excretion, half life, BBB coverage, and allergic profile of b-lactams
- Relatively non-toxic
- Renally excreted (so ↓dose if renal impairment)
- Short half life
- Will not cross intact BBB
- Cross-allergenic (penicillins approx 10% cross-reactivity with cephalosporins or carbapenems)
Describe antibacterial spectrum of glycopeptides
Large molecules = unable to penetrate G- outer cell wall
ONLY active against G+ organisms
Give 2 uses of glycopeptides
MRSA (esp UTI)
serious C difficile
Are glycopeptides bactericidal or bacteriostatic?
slowly bactericidal
Caution with using glycopeptides?
Nephrotoxic – hence important to monitor drug levels to prevent accumulation
MOA of glycopeptides
the peptide at the end of peptidoglycan precursors is formed of aa subunits. . Glycopeptide binds to the D-ala D-ala at the end –> stops formation of peptide bonds –> creates weak peptidoglycan walls –> daughter cells lyse
Which abx classes (5) are inhibitors of protein synthesis?
- Aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin)
- Tetracyclines
- Macrolides (e.g. erythromycin) / Lincosamides (clindamycin) / Streptogramins (Synercid) – The MSL group
- Chloramphenicol
- Oxazolidinones (e.g. Linezolid)
MOA of aminoglycosides
Require specific transport mechanisms to enter cells –> bind to amino-acyl site of the 30S ribosomal subunit = Prevent elongation of the polypeptide chain & causes MISREADINGS of the codons along the mRNA
Are aminoglycosides bactericidal or bacteriostatic?
Rapid, concentration-dependent bactericidal action
Caution with using aminoglycosides?
Ototoxic & nephrotoxic, therefore must monitor levels
* hence usually only SHORT doses are used
Describe antibacterial spectrum of aminoglycosides
broad-spectrum abx
- Gentamicin & tobramycin particularly active vs. Ps. aeruginosa
- Synergistic combination with B-lactams
- No activity vs. anaerobes
Describe antibacterial spectrum of tetracyclines
Broad-spectrum agents
with activity against intracellular pathogens (e.g. chlamydiae, rickettsiae & mycoplasmas, Legionella pneumophila) as well as most conventional bacteria