1: Concepts
Bacterial classification is important, revealing the identity of an organism so that its behaviour and likely response to treatment can be predicted. Bacterial Structural Components Bacterial cell walls are rigid…
Innate immunity and normal flora
The innate immune system, which consists of the normal flora, physical barriers such as the skin, antibacterial proteins and phagocytic cells, is an important defence mechanism against infection. Many responses…
Antibiotics in clinical use
Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Penicillins work by inhibiting peptidoglycan cross-linkage. Modifications to the penicillins have extended their antibacterial spectrum and improved absorption. Penicillins now include: natural penicillins (e.g. benzylpenicillin, penicillin V); penicillinase-resistant…
Antibacterial therapy
Principles of Antibiotic Therapy Antibiotics aim to kill organisms while causing no harm to the patient – this concept is known as selective toxicity. It is best achieved by inhibiting…
