Spiramycin
Spiramycin
Spiramycin (pronounced: speer-uh-mahy-sin) is a macrolide antibiotic that is used to treat various types of bacterial infections. It is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria and certain parasites.
Etymology
The term "Spiramycin" is derived from Streptomyces ambofaciens, the bacterium from which it was first isolated. The bacterium was discovered in the soil of the Amboseli National Park in Kenya, hence the name ambofaciens.
Usage
Spiramycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. It is also used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause serious health problems in pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Mechanism of Action
Spiramycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing them from growing and multiplying. It binds to the ribosomes in the bacterial cells, which are the sites of protein synthesis.
Side Effects
Common side effects of spiramycin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects such as allergic reactions, liver damage, and hearing loss.
Related Terms
- Macrolide: A class of antibiotics that includes spiramycin.
- Antibiotic: A type of drug used to treat bacterial infections.
- Bacteria: Single-celled organisms that can cause disease.
- Protein synthesis: The process by which cells make proteins.
- Ribosome: A cell structure where protein synthesis occurs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spiramycin
- Wikipedia's article - Spiramycin
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