Beta-lactam antibiotics
Beta-lactam antibiotics
Beta-lactam antibiotics (pronounced: bay-tuh lak-tam an-tee-by-ot-iks) 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.
Etymology
The term "beta-lactam" (pronounced: bay-tuh lak-tam) derives from the structure of these antibiotics, all of which include a beta-lactam ring — a chemical structure featuring a three-carbon, one-nitrogen cyclic amide. The term "antibiotic" comes from the Greek anti, meaning 'against', and bios, meaning 'life'.
Classification
Beta-lactam antibiotics are typically classified by their active site, which is the beta-lactam ring. The four major classes of beta-lactam antibiotics include:
- Penicillins - The first class of beta-lactam antibiotics to be discovered. They are effective against many gram-positive bacteria.
- Cephalosporins - A larger class of beta-lactam antibiotics, effective against a wider range of bacteria. They are further divided into generations based on their spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
- Monobactams - A class of beta-lactam antibiotics that are resistant to beta-lactamases and are primarily effective against aerobic gram-negative bacteria.
- Carbapenems - A class of highly effective beta-lactam antibiotics that are resistant to most beta-lactamases. They have a broad spectrum of activity.
Mechanism of action
Beta-lactam antibiotics work by inhibiting the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links in the bacterial cell wall, which leads to the death of the bacteria. They are considered bactericidal because they kill bacteria rather than merely inhibiting their growth.
Resistance
Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics can occur through several mechanisms, including the production of beta-lactamase enzymes, alteration of the antibiotic target sites, decreased permeability of the bacterial cell wall, and active efflux of the antibiotic out of the cell.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Wikipedia's article - Beta-lactam antibiotics
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