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Biomedical Basics

Antibiotic mechanisms

  • Created by Henry Stewart Talks
Published on January 28, 2026   4 min

A selection of talks on Infectious Diseases

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This overview addresses antibiotic mechanisms with particular emphasis on the definitions of bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics, the main classes of antibiotics and their mechanisms of action, how bacteria develop resistance through mechanisms like enzyme production, protein target modification, efflux pumps, and genetic exchange, and the difference between broad and narrow spectrum antibiotics, including their advantages, risks, and side effects. We will also discuss the major drivers of antibiotic resistance, the challenges posed by multi drug resistant bacteria, and the importance of stewardship and innovation to safeguard current and future antibiotic effectiveness. Antibiotics are small molecule drugs used to either kill bacteria, termed bactericidal or inhibit their growth, known as bacteriostatic. Early antibiotics like penicillin, revolutionized medicine by treating previously untreatable infections. Antibiotics are categorized into main classes such as beta lactams, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, floraquinolons, and glycopeptides. Each class has a unique chemical structure and mechanism defining its spectrum and clinical use. Antibiotics work by targeting processes or structures unique to bacteria, sparing host cells, and lowering toxicity. Key mechanisms include inhibition of cell wall synthesis, as with beta lactams and glycopeptides like vancomycin, disruption of protein synthesis by

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