Inhibition cell wall synthesis

The mechanism of antibacterial activity is through inhibition of gram-positive bacterial cell-wall synthesis thus, the penicillins are most effective against actively multiplying organisms. Because mammalian cells do not have a definitive cell-wall stmcture as do bacteria, the mammalian toxicity of the penicillins is low. Allergic phenomena in patients following sensitization may occur. 

In general, penicillins exert thek biological effect, as do the other -lactams, by inhibiting the synthesis of essential structural components of the bacterial cell wall. These components are absent in mammalian cells so that inhibition of the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall stmcture occurs with Htde or no effect on mammalian cell metaboHsm. Additionally, penicillins tend to be kreversible inhibitors of bacterial cell-wall synthesis and are generally bactericidal at concentrations close to thek bacteriostatic levels. Consequently penicillins have become widely used for the treatment of bacterial infections and are regarded as one of the safest and most efficacious classes of antibiotics. 

This insertion is accomplished by an enzyme called transpeptidase. -Lactam antibiotics function as substrates for the transpeptidase, thereby establishing selective inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. The structural similarity between -lactam antibiotics and the alanylalanine unit is remarkable as can be seen in Figure 6.8. 

Vancomycin (Vancocin) acts against susceptible gram-positive bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and increasing cell wall permeability. This drug is used in the treatment of serious gram-positive infections that do not respond to treatment with other anti-infectives. It also may be used in treating anti-infective-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile. 

Most aiititubercular drag s are bacteriostatic (slow or retard the growth of bacteria) against the M. tuberculosis bacillus. These dm usually act to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, which slows the multiplication rate of the bacteria. Only isoniazid is bactericidal, with rifampin and streptomycin having some bactericidal activity. 

Topical antibiotics exert a direct local effect on specific microorganisms and may be bactericidal or bacteriostatic. Bacitracin (Baciguent) inhibits the cell wall synthesis. Bacitracin, gentamicin (G-myticin), erythromycin (Emgel), and neomycin are examples of topical antibiotics. These drugp are used to prevent superficial infections in minor cuts, wounds, skin abrasions, and minor burns. Erythromycin is also indicated for treatment of acne vulgaris. 

Proanthocyanidins Bacteria Ceii coat poiymers Inhibition of cell-associated proteolysis inhibition of cell wall synthesis [76]... 

Although a few mechanisms have so far been proposed to explain the antimicrobial properties exhibited by proanthocyanidins (e.g., inhibition of extracellular enzymes) [86], Jones et al. [83] postulated that their ability to bind bacterial cell coat polymers and their abihty to inhibit cell-associated proteolysis might be considered responsible for the observed activity (Table 1). Accordingly, despite the formation of complexes with cell coat polymers, proanthocyanidins penetrated to the cell wall in sufficient concentration to react with one or more ultra-structural components and to selectively inhibit cell wall synthesis. Decreased proteolysis in these strains may also reflect a reduction of the export of proteases from the cell in the presence of proanthocyanidins [83]. 

Mode of action Interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis during active multiplication, causing cell wall death and resultant bactericidal activity Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin-binding proteins, which in turn inhibit the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in bacterial cell walls bacteria usually lyse from ongoing autolytic enzyme activity... 

Inhibit bacterial cell-wall synthesis by Streptococci, meningococci,... 

The answer is b. (Hardmanr p 1158.) Isoniazid inhibits cell-wall synthesis in mycobacteria. Increasing vitamin B6 levels prevents complications associated with this inhibition, including peripheral neuritis, insomnia, restlessness, muscle twitching, urinary retention, convulsions, and psychosis, without affecting the antimycobacterial activity of INH. 

The answer is a. (Hardman, p 1157. Katzung, p 804J Isoniazid inhibits mycobacterial cell-wall synthesis by inhibiting my colic acid synthesis by a mechanism that is not fully understood. 

The answer is c. (Hardman, pp 1143-1144.) Bacitracin, cycloserine, cephalothin, and vancomycin inhibit cell-wall synthesis and produce bacteria that are susceptible to environmental conditions. Polymyxins disrupt the structural integrity of the cytoplasmic membranes by acting as cationic detergents. On contact with the drug, the permeability of the membrane changes. Polymyxin is often applied in a mixture with bacitracin and/or neomycin for synergistic effects. 

Oritavancin binds to normal cell wall precursors and inhibits cell wall synthesis. 

P-Lactam antibiotics inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis... 

Beta-lactam antibiotics are a second great class of antibacterials penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams. They act by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. 

To be an effective antibacterial agent, a drng mnst inhibit an enzyme that is present in the bacteria bnt not in the host. One well-known example is a transpeptidase involved in cell wall synthesis in some bacteria. Inhibition prevents bacteria from synthesising their cell wall so that proliferation stops. A drng that inhibits this enzyme is the antibiotic, penicillin first nsed in 1941 (see Chapter 17). However, the first dnrg to inhibit bacterial growth was developed from a dye (Box 3.8). 

Caspofungin acetate (9 Cancidas ) E eumocandin Bo Lipopeptide Semi-syntiietic NP Microbial Antifungal Inhibits fungal cell wall synthesis 180-186... 

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