Aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes AMEs

Chloramphenicol (9) is liable to breakdown by chloramphenicol acetyl-transferases [185]. Fluoro derivatives (57, 58) resist enzymatic attack but little has been heard of these, apparently because of their toxicity [319], Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGACs) may be chemically modified by AMEs. Some derivatives (e.g. amikacin, 43) are more recalcitrant than others, e.g. kanamycin (42) (see Figure 4.2). Other enzyme-resistant AGACs of low toxicity are needed. 

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