Spectinomycin

Spectinomycin is an antibiotic that is used in the treatment of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria rather than killing them directly. Spectinomycin works by binding to the bacterial ribosome, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis.

History

Spectinomycin was discovered in the 1960s and is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces spectabilis. It was initially used as a treatment for gonorrhea, but its use has declined due to the development of resistance by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Mechanism of action

Spectinomycin acts by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, specifically to the 16S rRNA. This binding interferes with the initiation of protein synthesis, preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying.

Resistance

Resistance to spectinomycin is primarily due to mutations in the 16S rRNA gene of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These mutations alter the binding site of the antibiotic on the ribosome, reducing its effectiveness.

Side effects

Common side effects of spectinomycin include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less common side effects include fever, rash, and changes in liver function tests.

See also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Sexually transmitted infection
• Ribosome

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