BSCI 424 — PATHOGENIC MICROBIOLOGY — Fall 2000


Characteristics of an Ideal Chemotherapeutic Drug

(There are No Perfect Drugs)


 

Selective Toxicity Against Target Pathogen But Not Against Host

Favorable Pharmacokinetics: Survive in high concentration and reach the target site (site of infection)

Would Like the Drug to be:

vs.

Spectrum of Activity (Broad vs. Narrow) Coordinated with Diagnosis

For example:

 a broad-spectrum antibiotic would be indicated against a polymicrobial infection, e.g., an intrabdominal anaerobic infection

 a narrow spectrum antibiotic would be ideal for an infection caused by a single pathogen, e.g., a staphylococcal skin infection.

Lack of "Side Effects"

Able to Cross Outer and Cytoplasmic Membranes

No or Low Level of Antibiotic Resistance in Target Pathogen and Lack of Cross-Resistance in Closely Related Strains

Resistant to Inactivation by Microbial Enzymes
 

   Go to Chemotherapy of Bacterial Infections

 

 

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Designed & Maintained by David M. Rollins
Copyright © 2000, D.M. Rollins and S.W. Joseph
Revised: August 2000
URL: http://life.umd.edu/classroom/bsci424