Enramycin

Enramycin is an antibiotic that is primarily used in veterinary medicine. It is a polypeptide antibiotic that is derived from the actinomycete Streptomyces fungicidicus. Enramycin is used to treat Gram-positive bacteria and has a unique mechanism of action that is not fully understood.

History

Enramycin was first isolated in Japan in the 1960s from Streptomyces fungicidicus. It was initially used in the poultry industry to improve feed efficiency and growth rate. Since then, it has been used in a variety of other livestock animals, including pigs and cattle.

Mechanism of Action

Enramycin is believed to inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell death. It is also thought to bind to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis. However, the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.

Use in Veterinary Medicine

In veterinary medicine, enramycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-positive bacteria. It is also used as a growth promoter in livestock animals.

Side Effects

As with all antibiotics, enramycin can cause side effects. These can include allergic reactions, digestive upset, and changes in the balance of gut bacteria. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects, such as kidney damage.

Resistance

As with all antibiotics, there is a risk of bacteria developing resistance to enramycin. This is a major concern in both human and veterinary medicine.

See Also

• Antibiotics
• Veterinary Medicine
• Gram-positive bacteria
• Streptomyces