Β-Lactam antibiotic: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Class of broad-spectrum antibiotics}} | {{Short description|Class of broad-spectrum antibiotics}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
'''β-Lactam antibiotics''' are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that contain a β-lactam ring in their molecular structures. This class includes penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams, which are among the most widely used antibiotics in the world. | |||
==Structure and Mechanism of Action== | |||
[[File:Beta-lactam_closure_routes.png|Beta-lactam ring closure routes|thumb|right]] | |||
The β-lactam ring is a four-membered lactam, which is a cyclic amide. The integrity of this ring is crucial for the antibiotic activity of these compounds. β-Lactam antibiotics work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial [[cell wall]], specifically by targeting the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are essential for cell wall construction. | |||
[[File:Penicillin_inhibition.svg|Penicillin inhibition of cell wall synthesis|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Penicillin_inhibition.svg|thumb|left | The inhibition of PBPs prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which is a critical step in cell wall biosynthesis. This leads to the weakening of the cell wall and eventually causes cell lysis and death, particularly in actively dividing bacteria. | ||
==Types of β- | ==Types of β-Lactam Antibiotics== | ||
===Penicillins=== | ===Penicillins=== | ||
Penicillins | Penicillins were the first β-lactam antibiotics discovered and are still widely used today. They are effective against a variety of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. Common penicillins include [[penicillin G]], [[penicillin V]], [[amoxicillin]], and [[ampicillin]]. | ||
[[File:Amoxicillin.svg|thumb|right | [[File:Amoxicillin.svg|Amoxicillin structure|thumb|right]] | ||
Amoxicillin is a widely used penicillin that is often combined with [[clavulanic acid]] to overcome resistance. | |||
===Cephalosporins=== | ===Cephalosporins=== | ||
Cephalosporins are similar to penicillins but have a broader spectrum of activity. They are classified into generations, with each subsequent generation having increased activity against Gram-negative bacteria and better resistance to β-lactamases. | Cephalosporins are similar to penicillins but have a broader spectrum of activity. They are classified into generations, with each subsequent generation having increased activity against Gram-negative bacteria and better resistance to β-lactamases. | ||
===Carbapenems=== | |||
Carbapenems are highly resistant to most β-lactamases and have a very broad spectrum of activity. They are often used as a last resort for treating severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. | |||
===Monobactams=== | ===Monobactams=== | ||
Monobactams, such as [[aztreonam]], are effective primarily against Gram-negative bacteria | Monobactams, such as [[aztreonam]], are effective primarily against Gram-negative bacteria and are resistant to some β-lactamases. | ||
==Resistance== | ==Resistance== | ||
Resistance to β-lactam antibiotics is a significant clinical problem. The most common mechanism of resistance is the production of β-lactamases, enzymes that hydrolyze the β-lactam ring, rendering the antibiotic ineffective. | |||
[[File:Clavulanic_acid.svg|Clavulanic acid structure|thumb|left]] | |||
Clavulanic acid is a β-lactamase inhibitor that is often combined with β-lactam antibiotics to overcome resistance. | |||
== | ==Clinical Use== | ||
β-Lactam antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of infections, including [[pneumonia]], [[meningitis]], [[sepsis]], and [[urinary tract infections]]. They are generally well-tolerated, but allergic reactions can occur in some individuals. | |||
==Related | ==Related Pages== | ||
* [[Antibiotic resistance]] | * [[Antibiotic resistance]] | ||
* [[Penicillin]] | * [[Penicillin]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:21, 6 March 2025
Class of broad-spectrum antibiotics
β-Lactam antibiotics are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that contain a β-lactam ring in their molecular structures. This class includes penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams, which are among the most widely used antibiotics in the world.
Structure and Mechanism of Action[edit]
The β-lactam ring is a four-membered lactam, which is a cyclic amide. The integrity of this ring is crucial for the antibiotic activity of these compounds. β-Lactam antibiotics work by inhibiting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, specifically by targeting the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) that are essential for cell wall construction.
The inhibition of PBPs prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan chains, which is a critical step in cell wall biosynthesis. This leads to the weakening of the cell wall and eventually causes cell lysis and death, particularly in actively dividing bacteria.
Types of β-Lactam Antibiotics[edit]
Penicillins[edit]
Penicillins were the first β-lactam antibiotics discovered and are still widely used today. They are effective against a variety of Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria. Common penicillins include penicillin G, penicillin V, amoxicillin, and ampicillin.
Amoxicillin is a widely used penicillin that is often combined with clavulanic acid to overcome resistance.
Cephalosporins[edit]
Cephalosporins are similar to penicillins but have a broader spectrum of activity. They are classified into generations, with each subsequent generation having increased activity against Gram-negative bacteria and better resistance to β-lactamases.
Carbapenems[edit]
Carbapenems are highly resistant to most β-lactamases and have a very broad spectrum of activity. They are often used as a last resort for treating severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Monobactams[edit]
Monobactams, such as aztreonam, are effective primarily against Gram-negative bacteria and are resistant to some β-lactamases.
Resistance[edit]
Resistance to β-lactam antibiotics is a significant clinical problem. The most common mechanism of resistance is the production of β-lactamases, enzymes that hydrolyze the β-lactam ring, rendering the antibiotic ineffective.
Clavulanic acid is a β-lactamase inhibitor that is often combined with β-lactam antibiotics to overcome resistance.
Clinical Use[edit]
β-Lactam antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. They are generally well-tolerated, but allergic reactions can occur in some individuals.
