Drugs For Treating Infection Flashcards
4 main types of microorganisms:
- bacterium
- fungus
- virus
- parasite
What is bacteria?
Single called microorganisms with rigid outer cell wall in addition to the cell membrane
Bacteria is classified by:
- gram straining (gram-positive or gram-negative)
- oxygen requirements
- morphology (shape)
- encapsulation
Name 3 common strains of bacteria:
- staphylococcus
- streptococcus
- bacillus
Name 3 general shapes of bacteria:
- cocci
- rods
- spiral
What is fungi?
groups of organisms that include yeasts and mold
Fungi thrive in what environments?
- moist, dark, warm
- found in superficial keratinized tissues (nails, hair, skin)
What is the most common cause of fungi?
Dermatophytes
Why is the name ringworm misleading?
There is no worm in human ring worms. It’s called ringworm based on what it looks like. Annular (round) plaque.
What is the proper term for ringworm?
Tinea
Where can tinea be found?
- capitals (on the head/scalp)
- pedis (foot, aka athlete’s foot)
- cruris (groin, aka jock itch)
- unguium (finger or toe nails. Can have some cross over with tinea pedis)
- corporis (of the body, otherwise not identified by terms above - mostly shoulders and back)
What is the proper term for yeast infections? Where is it typically found?
- candidiasis
- can be in tongue, throat, genitals etc.
- most common in the mouth, associated with people who use corticosteroid inhalers (makes them susceptible to oral candidiasis, aka thrush)
Why is it debated whether viruses are a living agent?
Because it cannot live without a host cell
What is a virus?
- ultramicroscopic organisms that require host cells
- virus will reproduce, at the expense of the host cells
Give examples of viruses.
- covid
- mononucleosis
- influenza
- cold
- measles
- herpes
- hepatitis
- Ebola
- polio
- chicken pox
How can drugs stop viruses?
Most drugs interfere with the virus’ ability to replicate itself
If someone has a viral infection, an _______ will not help them.
Antibiotic
How are antimicrobial agents named?
- “____cidal” vs “____ static”
- ex. Germocidal and germostatic
- ex. Fungicidal and fungistatic
Antimicrobial agents can have ________ vs ________ toxicity.
- selective
- non-selective
Why is it not always ideal for antimicrobial agents to kill the bacteria completely?
If the drug can dampen the effects and the immune system can fight the illness with help, it may be better for the immune system.
What is the main risk with using broad spectrum drugs?
- may kill off good bacteria, causing health issues long term
- selective is ideal so that it does not kill off other cells
Antimicrobial drugs aka…
Antibiotics
4 types of antimicrobial drugs:
- antibacterial
- antifungals
- antivirals
- antiparasitics
What are antiseptics? Give examples.
- substances that can be place on living tissue (organic surfaces) for killing microorganisms or inhibiting growth of such
- ex. Iodine, chlorahexidine
Name some products that can function as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant.
- alcohol (ethyl and isopropyl)
- hydrogen peroxide
What are disinfectants? Give examples.
- used to combat microorganisms but should be applied to non-living objects (non organic surfaces)
- ex. Chlorine, phenyl, bromine, other chemicals
What is antimicrobial resistance?
- Microorganism becomes less sensitive or loses its sensitivity to a previously sensitive antimicrobial
- worst in anti-bacterials. Argument that we are overdoing it. Microbes become capable of overcoming these products
Why does antimicrobial resistance develop?
Develops due to change in genetic make-up of microorganism (spontaneous random mutation, ra safer of genetic material)
Mechanisms of action for antibacterial agents:
- inhibition of cell wall synthesis (most common)
- inhibition of protein synthesis (2nd most common)
- alteration of cell membrane structure
- inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis
- anti metabolic activity