ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS

The essential antibacterial agents are Molds or fungi, Bacteria, and Synthetic or semisynthetic
derived antimicrobial. The primary grouping of antibiotics is based on their chemical structure;
the addition or subtraction of chemical groups from the core structure leads to the group's various
members. Each group has a structural component that defines them. Mechanism of action of
most antimicrobial drugs involves cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, cytoplasmic membrane
permeability, nucleic acid synthesis, antimetabolic. Vancomycin and beta-lactam antibiotics
(penicillins and cephalosporins) inhibit cell wall synthesis.
If antimicrobial drug concentration is negligible, it has been observed for bacterial to build
resistance. Organisms' susceptibility to antibacterial agents is the minimum concentration
required to inhibit their growth (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) or the minimum
concentration needed to kill them within a specific period (minimum bactericidal concentration,
MBC) can be quantified. This information concerning their susceptibility can be used to predict
the need for in vitro susceptibility testing in selecting antimicrobial agents. It is essential to
recognize that the way an organism becomes resistant to antibiotics is different from the
biochemical mechanism of resistance itself.
The detrimental implications of antimicrobial drugs are of three broad categories; Biological
effects, Toxic, and Allergic effects: The significant toxicity of the penicillins and cephalosporins
is due to their allergic effect. Antimicrobial drugs have recently been discovered to have some
destructive impact on patients treated for infection immune systems. However apparent, they are
vital because the body's defenses enhance the chance for cure. Some main-line antimicrobial
drugs inhibit antibody productions.
Reference: Authors name: Gordon L. Coppoc, DVM, PhD

Introduction to Antimicrobial Drugs. (n.d.). www.cyto.purdue.edu.

http://www.cyto.purdue.edu/cdroms/cyto2/17/chmrx/intmicr.htm

Relevancy to your future career goals:

Healthcare organizations' public health campaigns and systems approach to reduce unnecessary
antimicrobial drugs involve individual nurses' knowledge and responsibilities. Nurses play an essential
role in preventing resistant bacteria transmissions and promoting awareness for patients and
communities.

Public health campaigns against excessive use of antibiotics, system approaches by health
agencies, and incorporating the knowledge are a nurse's responsibilities. Nurses play an essential
role in preventing the transmission of resistant strains, and promoting awareness for raising
patients and communities.

Study question: What is the difference between the biochemical mechanisms OF resistance to
antimicrobials and the mechanisms by which organisms BECOME resistant to drugs?