antimicrobial chemotherapy - 1st yr - optional Flashcards

(98 cards)

1
Q

<p>define bactericidal</p>

A

<p>antimicrobial that kills bacteria

| e.g. penicillin</p>

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2
Q

<p>define bacteriostatic</p>

A

<p>antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria

| e.g. erythromycin</p>

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3
Q

<p>define sensitive</p>

A

<p>an organism is considered sensitive if it is inhibited or killed by levels of the antimicrobial that are available at the site of infection</p>

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4
Q

<p>define resistant</p>

A

<p>an organism is considered resistant if it isn't killed or inhibited by levels of the antimicrobial that are available at the site of the infection</p>

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5
Q

<p>define MIC</p>

A

<p>minimal inhibitory concentration

| the minimum concentration of antimicrobial needed to inhibit visible growth of a given organism</p>

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6
Q

<p>define MBC</p>

A

<p>Minimum bactericidal concentration

| the minimum concentration of the antimicrobial needed to kill a given organism</p>

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7
Q

<p>what are the 3 routes of administration</p>

A

<p>topical
systemic
parenteral (IV/IM)</p>

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8
Q

<p>3 sites of antibiotic action</p>

A

<p>inhibition of cell wall synthesis
inhibition of protein synthesis
inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis</p>

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9
Q

<p>antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis</p>

A

<p>- penicillins and cephalosporins (beta lactams)

| - glycopeptides</p>

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10
Q

<p>penicillins and cephalosporins</p>

A

<p>- beta lactam antibiotics
- disrupt peptidoglycan synthesis by inhibiting the enzymes (PBPs) responsible for cross-linking the carbohydrate chains</p>

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11
Q

<p>benzyl penicillin resistance</p>

A

<p>many gram -ve are resistant to benzyl penicillin due to the relative impermeability of the gram -ve cell wall</p>

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12
Q

<p>beta lactamas are effective against mostly gram</p>

A

<p>+ve bacteria</p>

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13
Q

<p>glycopeptides</p>

A

<p>work on gram +ve only
vancomycin and teicoplanin
inhibit assembly of a peptidoglycan precursor
can't penetrate the gram -ve cell wall
vancomycin and teicoplanin arent absorbed from the GI tract so are only given parenterally</p>

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14
Q

<p>vancomycin toxicity</p>

A

<p>local tissue damage can occur if it leaks from the veins
side effects: ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, skin rashes
important to measure levels
teicoplanin appears to be less toxic</p>

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15
Q

<p>antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis</p>

A

<p>aminoglycosides
macrolides and tetracyclines
oxazolidinones
cyclic lipopeptide</p>

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16
Q

<p>Aminoglycosides</p>

A

<p>e.g. gentamicin
concentration dependent bactericidal
gram -ve resistance is unusual - main use is to treat gram -ve infections
most staphylococci are sensitive, streptococci aren't
gentamicin is toxic and requires careful dosing regime</p>

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17
Q

<p>macrolides and tetracyclines</p>

A

<p>macrolides are useful alternatives to penicillin when treating gram +ve infections in patients who are allergic to penicillin
>10% of Staph aureus, strep pyogenes and strep pneumonia strains are resistant</p>

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18
Q

<p>oxazolidinones</p>

A

<p>bacteriostatic/bactericidal depending on the bacteria

linezolid - good activity against MRSA, orally</p>

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19
Q

<p>cyclic lipopeptide</p>

A

<p>strong bactericidal
daptomycin - activity against gram +ve, particularly MRSA
last resource</p>

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20
Q

<p>antibiotics that inhibit nucleic acid synthesis</p>

A

<p>trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole

| fluoroquinolones</p>

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21
Q

<p>trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole</p>

A

<p>both inhibit different steps in purine synthesis
used in a combined form - co-trimoxazole
less likely than other broad spectrum agents to cause C. diff infections</p>

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22
Q

<p>fluoroquinolones</p>

A
<p>e.g. ciproflaxin
inhibit DNA synth more directly 
given orally and parenterally 
effective against gram -ve 
can't be used in children - interference with cartilage growth 

levofloxacin has more activity against gram +ve</p>

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23
Q

<p>what are the 2 types of antibiotic resistance</p>

A

<p>inherit/intrinsic resistance

| acquired resistance</p>

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24
Q

<p>inherit/intrinsic resistance</p>

A

<p>- all strains of a given species are naturally resistant to an antibiotic

- usually due to the inability of the drug to penetrate the bacterial cell wall to exert its action
e. g. streptococci resistance to amino-glycosides, gram -ve resistance to vancomycin</p>

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25

acquired resistance

resistance may be present in some strains of the species but not others lab sensitivity testing is essential to establish the likely sensitivity of any individual isolate from a patient 
26
mechanisms of acquired resistance
- spontaneous mutation during multiplication of the bacterial DNA, can result in change in structure/function - genes that code for resistance can spread from organism to organism or from species to species (commonest method)
27
widespread use of antibiotics causes ...
selective pressure and encourages new resistant organisms to outgrow sensitive strains (natural selection)
28
mechanisms of resistance to beta lactams
- beta lactamase production | - alteration of PBP target site
29
beta lactamase production
- bacterial enzymes that cleave the beta lactam ring of the antibiotic and make it inactive - common is hospital strains of S aureus and most gram -ve bacteria - extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) are produced by some gram -ve organisms can break down 3rd generation cephalosporins as well as penicillin and render the organism resistant to all beta lactam antibiotics
30
combating beta lactamase production
- introduce a 2nd component to the antibiotic (beta lactamase inhibitor) - protects the antibiotic from enzymatic degradation e.g. co-amoxiclav - modify the antibiotic side chain to produce an antibiotic that is resistant to beta lactamase action e.g. flucoxacillin
31
carbapenemase producing enterobacteriaciae
group of extremely resistant gram -ve organisms resistant to carbapenems usually also resistant to multiple other classes of antibiotics - often leaves no antimicrobial options for therapy
32
carbapanems
highly effective antibiotics used for severe/high risk bacterial infections member of beta lactam class reserved for multi-drug resistant infections
33
alteration of PBP target site
- results in a modified target site to which all beta lactams will no longer bind these organisms are resistant to all beta lactam agents addition of beta lactamase inhibitor makes no difference e.g. MRSA - resistant to all penicillins and cephalosporins
34
treatment of MRSA
- flucloxacillin: beta lactamase resistant, treats beta lactamase producing s aureus (NOT MRSA) - vancomycin and linezolid - MRSA treatment
35
glycopeptide resistance
- vancomycin resistant enterococci - peptidoglycan precursor to which vancomycin normally binds has an altered target site these types of bacteria have appeared very recently vancomycin resistance is unusual in gram +ve organisms
36
penicillins (examples of drugs)
``` benzyl penicillin (penicillin G) amoxicillin, ampicillin co-amoxiclav flucloxacillin piperacillin imipenem, meropenem ```
37
spectrum of benzyl penicillin
largely acts against gram +ve organisms best choice for IV treatment of serious pneumococcla, meningococcla and S pyogenes infection phenoxymethylpenicillin has slightly better absorption when taken orally
38
amoxicillin, ampicillin spectrum
better oral absorption that benzylpenicillin originally better gram -ve activity 20-30% of coliform organisms are now resistant due to beta lactamase production covers streptococci, enterococci and some coliforms
39
co-amoxiclav spectrum
amoxicillin + beta lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid | extends the spectrum to cover beta lactamase producing coliforms
40
flucloxacillin spectrum
resistant to staphylococcal beta lactamase first choice of treatment for staph infections methicillin is a similar agent, used to represent flucloxacillin in lab testing - resistant organisms are termed MRSA
41
piperacillin spectrum
broad spectrum penicillin extended gram -ve cover anti-anaerobic activity
42
imipenem, meropenem spectrum
carbapenems | widest spectrum - used against most bacteria
43
cephalosporin spectrum
often divided into generations activity against gram -ve organisms increases from 1st to 3rd generation only ceftazidime has any activity against pseudomonas gram +ve activity decreases from 1st to 3rd generation
44
aminoglycosides spectrum
parenteral use only noted for use against gram -ve organisms most staphylococci are sensitive (not streptococci) gentamicin is the cheapest and most commonly used - BUT IS TOXIC
45
Glycopeptide spectrum
parenteral use only vancomycin and teicoplanin activity against gram +ve only - anaerobic and aerobic vancomycin - toxicity
46
macrolide spectrum
clarithomycin or erythromycin activity against mostly gram +ve alternative to penicillin (for allergic patients) azithromycin -newer, useful for single dose treatment of chlamydia
47
quinolone spectrum
newer generations have wider specturm and are active against nearly all gram -ve (including pseudomonas) only possibility for oral treatment of pseudomonas streptococci activity is generally poor but levofloxacin is active against pneumococci
48
metronidazole spectrum
effective against gram +ve and -ve anaerobes | no useful activity against aerobes
49
fusidic acid spectrum
anti-staphylococcal drug should always be used in combination with other anti-staphylococcal drugs to prevent resistance developing diffuses well into bone and tissues
50
trimethoprim spectrum
urinary infection treatment co-trimoxazole = trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole - used for a few specialised conditions and sometimes the treatment of chest infections (as long as it doesnt predispose to C diff infection)
51
tetracyclines spectrum
broad spectrum inhibit protein synthesis few limited applications some genital tract and respiratory tract infections shouldn't be given to pregnant women or young children - deposited in teeth and bones (toxic)
52
clindamycin spectrum
only lincosamide antibiotic in common use good gram +ve activity e.g. staphylococci and streptococci good activity against anaerobes very good tissue penetration can be taken orally
53
linezolid spectrum
good MRSA activity can be given orally can cause bone marrow suppression
54
daptomycin spectrum
gram +ve only | serious MRSA infections
55
fidaxomicin
new macrocyclic antibiotic | bactericidal against C diff
56
urinary tract agents
used only in the treatment of lower UTI (cystitis) nalidixic acid - urinary antiseptic, gram -ve aerobes only nitrofurantoin - urinary antiseptic, most gram -ve (not proteus and pseudomonas spp), also effective against some gram +ve
57
allergic reactions
most commonly associated with beta lactams true penicillin hypersensitivity is rare 10% of truly penicillin allergic patients will also be allergic to cephalosporins
58
types of allergic reactions
immediate hypersensitivity delayed hypersensitivity GI side effects
59
immediate hypersensitivity
anaphylactic shock - usually follows parenteral administration IgE mediated occurs within minutes of administration itching, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, shock, laryngeal oedema
60
delayed hypersensitivity
hours or days to develop immune complex or cell mediated mechanism drug rashes (most common), drug fever, serum sickness, erythema nodosum rashes are usually maculopapular, restricted to the skin Steven's johnson syndrome: severe and sometimes fatal, associated with sulphonamides, skin and mucous membranes are involved
61
GI side effects
commonly encountered with anti-microbial usage nausea and vomiting are common diarrhoea associated with toxin production by C diff is a major problem with HAI C diff appears to overgrow normal flora during antibiotic therapy and produces toxins - can develop to pseudomonas colitis treated with oral metronidazole or oral vancomycin - other antibiotic use is discontinued if clinically appropriate relapses are common and further courses of treatment may be required
62
thrush
suppression of normal flora, overgrowth of resistant orhanisms therapy with broad spectrum penicillins or cephalosporins may be complicated by the overgrowth of C albicans (yeast) results in oral and/or vaginal candidiasis
63
liver toxicity
more common in patients with pre-existing liver disease and in pregnancy tetracyclines, flucloxacillin and anti TB drugs (isoniazid and rifampicin) have been associated with hepatotoxicity
64
renal toxicity
dose related and more common in patients with pre-existing renal disease most commonly seen with aminoglycosides or vancomycin usually reversible but can be permenant
65
neurological toxicity
ototoxicty - aminoglycoside or vancomycin use optic neuropathy - ethambutol associated with dose related optic nerve damage encephalopathy and convulsions - high dose penicillin and cephalosporin use or with aciclovar, especially if the dose isnt reduced in the presence of renal impairment peripheral neuropathy - metronidazole and nitrofurantoin, may produce reversible peripheral neuropathy of uncertain mechanisms; anti TB drug isoniazid may also induce peripheral neuropathy
66
haematological toxcity
- toxic effect on bone marrow resulting in selective depression of one cell line or unselective depression of all bone marrow elements co-trimoxazole may result in folate deficiency which can cause megaloblastic anaemia after prolonged therapy toxicity of some antivirals requires close monitoring of blood count linezolid also causes bone marrow suppression and may lower platelet counts
67
prevention of adverse reactions
antimicrobials should be used only when indicated and in the minimum dose and duration necessary to achieve efficacy exercise care when administering to susceptible groups carefully monitor antimicrobials with a low therapeutic margin to ensure maximal efficacy and minimal toxicity report all adverse reactions
68
preventing resistance
antibiotics should only be prescribed when absolutely necessary use narrow spectrum antibiotics targeted at the likely infecting organism
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patient characteristics
age: certain drugs are contraindicated in children renal function: antimicrobials tend to accumulate in the body in the case of renal failure due to the reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete the drug, in this case dose will need to be reduced liver function: dose should be decreased in hepatic insufficiency or chose an alternative drug pregnancy: some drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy (mutagenic, teratogenic or both), many other drugs are contraindicated because their effects on the unborn foetus are unknown
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prophylaxis
administration of antimicrobias to prevent the future occurrence of infection dosage should cover the period of risk only and shouldnt be extended beyond this to avoid selecting out resistant organisms
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therapy
when the organisms causing infection aren't known, empirical antimicrobial therapy may have to be commenced if urgent treatment is required this takes into account the site and type of infection and the likely causative agent the treatment prescribed should always be reviewed once the results of culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests become available
72
drug related considerations
``` spectrum of antimicrobial agent monotherapy vs combination penetration to the site of infection additive/synergistic/antagonistic effects monitoring dose and duration of therapy ```
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spectrum of the antimicrobial agent
antibiotic chosen should normally be effective against the known or likely causative agents
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monotherapy vs combination
simplest approach (monotherapy) is generally best but sometimes it is necessary to use a combination - to cover mixed infection by more than one organism - 2 antimicrobials that have an enhanced effect (synergy) - minimise the development of resistant strains to any one agent
75
what are the 3 possible outcomes when using antibiotics in combination
- their effects are additive - they are antagonistic and their combined effect is less than the sum of their individual contributions - they are synergistic and their combined effect is more than the sum of their individual contributions e.g. penicillin and gentamicin in the treatment of streptococcal endocarditis
76
combined effects of antibiotics (general rules)
two cidal/two static = additive/synergistic | one static + one cidal = may result in antagonism
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penetration to the site of infection
antibiotics must be able to penetrate to the site of infection in order to have effective use in clinical practice
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monitoring
certain antimicrobials have a low therapeutic index and the serum levels of these should be monitored careully to prevent toxicity
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dose and duration of therapy
- consult BNF for appropriate dosage schedules - patients with serious infections often require much higher doses than normal - combination of drugs may further influence dosage - children and patients with renal failure may require reduced dosage - standard course for many infections is 7 days (some are longer and some are shorter)
80
what are the 2 main reasons for monitoring serum levels of an antimicrobial
1. to ensure that therapeutic levels have been reached 2. to ensure that levels aren't high enough to be toxic - most commonly measured are gentamicin and vancomycin
81
suceptibility testing
automated methods: growth of individual isolates is measured in the presence of different concentrations of each antibiotic and the likely MIC of the antibiotic for that organism is calculated. In vitro lab testing only gives a prediction of whether the infection is likely to be cured by the antibiotic E test: simplest way to measure the MIC of one antibiotic, gradient of antibiotic concentrations on the strip, MIC of the organism can be read directly from the point where organism growth intersects the strip
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antifungal drugs
polyenes azoles allylamines echinocandins
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polyenes
bind to ergosterol in the fungal cell wall - increases permeability of the cell wall active against yeasts and filamentous fungi toxic as they bind to other sterols in our cell walls Amphotericin B - only drug available for IV use, for the treatment of serious systemic fungal infection lipid complexed formulations of the drug reduce incidence of side effects Nystatin - only available for topical use and in oral suspension
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azoles
inhibit ergosterol synthesis older: miconazole, ketoconazole newer: fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole fluconazole: oral and parenteral treatment of yeast infections, no activity against filamentous fungi, no apparent toxicity problems, resistance among some candida species itraconazole: active against yeasts and filamentous fungi voriconazole: treatment of aspergillosis
85
allyamines
suppress ergosterol synthesis terbinafine: active primarily against dermatophytes (clinical use is restricted to infections of the skin and nails), mild infections are treated topically and serious infections are treated orally
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echinocandins
inhibit glucan polysaccharide synthesis caspofungin, mycafungin, anidulafungin fungicidal against candida spp, inhibit growth of several aspergillus spp (used for serious infections)
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antiviral drugs
antibiotics have no action against viruses there are no virucidal agents (only virustatic) many anti-viral drugs are nucleoside analogues which interfere w/ nucleic acid synthesis
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anti herpes virus drugs
HSV, VZV, EBV CMV - not all are equally sensitive to anti-viral treatment treatment is most effective if started early but doesnt eradicate the virus Aciclovir - nucleoside analogue, specific for virus infected cells, low toxicity for uninfected host cells, extremely active against HSV and VZV, IV form is given to treat severe infections , cold sores can be treated orally or with the topical preparation in the case of renal impairment, dose may need to be reduced to avoid neurological toxicity famiclovir, valaciclovir: oral, better oral bioavailability than aciclovir, HSV and shingles treatment ganciclovir: CMV treatment, toxic and given by IV injection, treatment of life-threatening infections or immunocompromised patients Valganciclovir: pro-drug of ganciclovir, oral alternative for some CMV infections foscarnet: some HSV, VZV and CMV infections resistant to the above drugs, highly nephrotoxic, IV only cidofovir: CMV retinitis
89
anti HIV drugs
first treatment: zidovudine (AZT, ZDV), nucleoside analogue, slows viral replication, high incidence of side effects combination therapy with 3 drugs is now common practice: drugs are selected that are active on at least 2 different stages of HIV replication e.g. two nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors + non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (nevirapine, efavirenz) or a protease inhibitor (saquinavir, darunavir) these drugs are used for prophylaxis also following occupational/sexual exposure to HIV +ve blood or body fluids
90
drugs for chronic hep B/C
interferon - alpha: treats selected chronic hep B and C infections , low response rates and serious side effects combination therapy with ribavarin is now common
91
drugs for viral respiratory infections
zanamavir, osteltamivir: influenza A/B treatment within 48 hrs of symptom onset and also for post-exposure prophylaxis influenza immunisation remains the first line of protection ribavarin: nucleoside analogue, treatment of severe respiratory syncytial virus infections, must be inhaled as a fine spray to reach the site of infection - difficult administration
92
anti-viral resistance
genotypic analysis may help in choosing rational treatment in selected patients
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anti-viral drug levels
available only for a few drugs | ensures therapeutic, but not toxic, serum levels are achieved
94
how long is antimicrobial treatment of osteomyelitis or endocarditis
several weeks
95
how long is treatment for S aureus bacteraemia
at least 14 days of IV therapy
96
how long is treatment of a simple UTI infection
3 days of trimethoprim
97
standard length of an antimicrobial course
7 days
98
what length of course is recommended for Staph aureus bacteraemia
14 days IV