Tetracycline antibiotics: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics derived from Streptomyces bacteria}} | |||
'''Tetracycline antibiotics''' are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, rickettsiae, and protozoan parasites. These antibiotics are derived from the bacterium ''[[Streptomyces]]'' and are characterized by their four-ring molecular structure. | |||
== | ==Mechanism of Action== | ||
Tetracyclines work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. They achieve this by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosomal acceptor (A) site. This action effectively halts the addition of new amino acids to the nascent peptide chain, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and reproduction. | |||
==Clinical Uses== | |||
Tetracyclines are used to treat a variety of infections, including: | |||
* [[Acne vulgaris]] | |||
* [[Cholera]] | |||
* [[Brucellosis]] | |||
* [[Plague]] | |||
* [[Rickettsial infections]] such as [[Rocky Mountain spotted fever]] | |||
* [[Chlamydia trachomatis]] infections | |||
* [[Mycoplasma pneumoniae]] infections | |||
== | ==Side Effects== | ||
Common side effects of tetracycline antibiotics include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They can also cause photosensitivity, leading to an increased risk of sunburn. Long-term use can result in discoloration of teeth and affect bone growth in children. | |||
== | ==Resistance== | ||
Bacterial resistance to tetracyclines can occur through several mechanisms, including: | |||
* Efflux pumps that expel the antibiotic from the bacterial cell | |||
* Ribosomal protection proteins that prevent tetracycline binding | |||
* Enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic | |||
==Examples of Tetracyclines== | |||
Some commonly used tetracycline antibiotics include: | |||
* [[ | * [[Tetracycline]] | ||
* [[Doxycycline]] | * [[Doxycycline]] | ||
* [[Minocycline]] | * [[Minocycline]] | ||
* [[Tigecycline]] | |||
== | ==History== | ||
The first tetracycline, chlortetracycline, was discovered in the late 1940s. It was isolated from ''[[Streptomyces aureofaciens]]''. Since then, several derivatives have been developed to improve efficacy and reduce side effects. | |||
== | ==Images== | ||
[[File:Tetracycline.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of tetracycline]] | |||
[[File:Doxycycline.png|thumb|left|Chemical structure of doxycycline]] | |||
== | ==Related Pages== | ||
* [[Antibiotic resistance]] | |||
* [[Protein synthesis inhibitors]] | |||
* [[Broad-spectrum antibiotics]] | |||
[[Category:Antibiotics]] | [[Category:Antibiotics]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Tetracyclines]] | ||
Revision as of 17:43, 18 February 2025
A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics derived from Streptomyces bacteria
Tetracycline antibiotics are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas, rickettsiae, and protozoan parasites. These antibiotics are derived from the bacterium Streptomyces and are characterized by their four-ring molecular structure.
Mechanism of Action
Tetracyclines work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. They achieve this by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosomal acceptor (A) site. This action effectively halts the addition of new amino acids to the nascent peptide chain, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and reproduction.
Clinical Uses
Tetracyclines are used to treat a variety of infections, including:
- Acne vulgaris
- Cholera
- Brucellosis
- Plague
- Rickettsial infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Chlamydia trachomatis infections
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections
Side Effects
Common side effects of tetracycline antibiotics include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They can also cause photosensitivity, leading to an increased risk of sunburn. Long-term use can result in discoloration of teeth and affect bone growth in children.
Resistance
Bacterial resistance to tetracyclines can occur through several mechanisms, including:
- Efflux pumps that expel the antibiotic from the bacterial cell
- Ribosomal protection proteins that prevent tetracycline binding
- Enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic
Examples of Tetracyclines
Some commonly used tetracycline antibiotics include:
History
The first tetracycline, chlortetracycline, was discovered in the late 1940s. It was isolated from Streptomyces aureofaciens. Since then, several derivatives have been developed to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.
Images
