Tobramycin

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Tobramycin

Tobramycin (pronounced: toh-brah-MY-sin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections, particularly Gram-negative bacteria. It is also used to treat certain staphylococcal infections.

Etymology

The term "Tobramycin" is derived from the bacterium Streptomyces tenebrarius from which it was first isolated in the 1970s. The suffix "-mycin" is common in antibiotics and is derived from the Greek word "mykes" meaning fungus, as many antibiotics are derived from fungi.

Usage

Tobramycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, which leads to their death. It is commonly used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients to combat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. It can be administered intravenously, via inhalation, or as eye drops.

Related Terms

  • Aminoglycoside: A group of antibiotics that includes tobramycin. They are bactericidal and work by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria.
  • Gram-negative bacteria: A group of bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining method of bacterial differentiation. Tobramycin is particularly effective against these types of bacteria.
  • Staphylococcal infections: Infections caused by staphylococcus bacteria, which can range from minor skin problems to serious infections.
  • Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine. Tobramycin is often used to treat lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A common bacterium that can cause disease in animals, including humans. It is resistant to many antibiotics but can be treated with tobramycin.

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