Question

I am doing an essay on the disease Burcellosis for microbiology. As a form of treatment antibiotics: doxycycline with streptomycin or rifampin are recommended for 6 weeks.

The professor has asked to provide information on the drugs as said below. However, I do not understand. :

If an antimicrobial is used: provide information on the family of antimicrobials that the drugs belongs, the antimicrobial drug’s target in the microbial cell, spectrum of action (i.e. broad or narrow), a use for the drug, up to two additional characteristics of this drug that you found interesting, and list a website that provides additional information on the drug that you chose.

Answer 1

DOXYCYCLINE

Family: Tetracycline

Target in the microbial cell : 30s ribosomal subunit of microbes

Spectrum of action : Broad

Use : Infections of nose, ear, lungs, skin, bones, blade and stomach

Additional characteristics :

• Children younger than 8 years old should use doxycycline only in cases of severe or life-threatening conditions. This medicine can cause permanent yellowing or greying of the teeth in children
• Using doxycycline during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby

Site : WWW.rxlist.com

STREPTOMYCIN

Family : Aminoglycoside

Target : 30s ribosomal subunit of susceptible organism

Spectrum of action : Broad

Uses : To treat tuberculosis and other infections

Additional characteristics :

• Use of this medication for prolonged periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection
• Streptomycin may cause live bacterial vaccines to not work as well.

Site: WWW.webmd.com

RIFAMPIN

Family : Rifamycin

Target: Inhibit bacterial DNA-dependant RNA polymerase

Spectrum of action: Broad

Uses: Treatment of tuberculosis and leprosy

Additional characteristics:

• Cause harmless orange colour to urine and sweat
• Decreases effect of warfarin, prednisolone, ketoconozole

Site: WWW.drugbank.com