Polymyxin B
Polymyxin B
Polymyxin B (pronounced: poh-lee-mix-in bee) is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It is particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.
Etymology
The term "Polymyxin B" is derived from the Greek words poly meaning "many" and mykes meaning "fungus". This is because the antibiotic is produced by the bacterium Bacillus polymyxa, which was originally thought to be a fungus due to its filamentous growth.
Usage
Polymyxin B is used to treat serious bacterial infections, especially those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. It works by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics to treat multidrug-resistant infections.
Related Terms
- Antibiotic: A type of medicine that is used to prevent and treat bacterial infections.
- Gram-negative bacteria: A group of bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A common Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause disease in plants and animals, including humans.
- Escherichia coli: Also known as E. coli, a Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms (endotherms).
- Multidrug-resistant: Refers to bacteria that are resistant to multiple types of antibiotics.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polymyxin B
- Wikipedia's article - Polymyxin B
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