Beta-lactam antibiotic
Beta-lactam antibiotic
Beta-lactam antibiotics (pronunciation: /ˈbeɪtə ˈlæk.təm æn.tɪ.baɪˈɒt.ɪk/) are a broad class of antibiotics, consisting of all antibiotic agents that contain a beta-lactam ring in their molecular structure. This includes penicillin derivatives (penams), cephalosporins (cephems), monobactams, and carbapenems (carbapenems).
Etymology
The term "beta-lactam" (pronounced as /ˈbeɪtə ˈlæk.təm/) derives from the structure of these antibiotics, all of which contain a characteristic beta-lactam ring in their molecular structure. The suffix "-antibiotic" is derived from the Greek words "anti" (against) and "bios" (life), referring to substances that are against life, specifically against bacteria and other microorganisms.
Classification
Beta-lactam antibiotics are typically classified by their structural similarities:
- Penicillins - The first type of beta-lactam antibiotic, discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming.
- Cephalosporins - A class of antibiotics structurally related to penicillins, but with a broader spectrum of activity.
- Monobactams - A class of beta-lactam antibiotics where the beta-lactam ring is alone.
- Carbapenems - A class of highly resistant antibiotics, used for the treatment of severe or high-risk bacterial infections.
Mechanism of action
Beta-lactam antibiotics work by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. The beta-lactam molecule binds to an enzyme in bacteria called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are essential for the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. This binding inhibits the enzyme, leading to a weakening of the cell wall and eventual rupture of the bacteria, causing bacterial death.
Resistance
Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics can occur due to several mechanisms, including the production of beta-lactamase enzymes that can break down the antibiotic and render it ineffective, changes in the PBPs that prevent the antibiotic from binding, and changes in the bacterial cell wall that prevent the antibiotic from reaching its target.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beta-lactam antibiotic
- Wikipedia's article - Beta-lactam antibiotic
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski