Antimicrobial Therapy

Antibiotics are compounds produced by a microbe that can kill or inhibit the growth of another organism. NATURE

Antimicrobial are compounds that kill or inhibit the growth of a microorganism. Made in a LAB

• Bactericidal - Bacteriostatic

Directly kill the bacteria

Inhibit the growth of the bacteria that then enables the body’s defence mechanisms to remove the bacteria (slows down growth)

• Interfere with the cell wall synthesis • Interference with DNA replication • Inhibit protein synthesis • Interrupt metabolic reactions inside the cell

Kill a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria but also destroy the normal flora

Effective against a select group of pathogens (specific)

• Cross the cell wall • Cross the cell membrane to enter the cell • Bind to its target inside the cell

The ability of a microbe to resist the effects of an antimicrobial agent

• Producing bacterial enzymes that destroy/inactivate penicillin or other antibiotics • Changing the cell membrane permeability • Altering the target • Pumping the antibiotic out

• Avoid excessive prescribing of antimicrobials • Finish the full course of the antibiotics • Never use leftover antibiotics that are prescribed for someone else