Gardimycin

Gardimycin is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside family. It is produced by the bacterium Actinoplanes gardimycini. Gardimycin is known for its potent bactericidal activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria.

History

Gardimycin was first isolated in 1972 from Actinoplanes gardimycini, a species of actinomycetes. These bacteria are renowned for their ability to produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites, including many clinically important antibiotics.

Structure and Mechanism of Action

Gardimycin is a polycyclic aminoglycoside, which means it contains multiple rings in its structure. Like other aminoglycosides, it works by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, disrupting protein synthesis and leading to cell death.

Clinical Use

Gardimycin has been used in the treatment of various bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, its use has been limited due to the potential for ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, common side effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics.

Resistance

Resistance to gardimycin can occur through several mechanisms, including modification of the antibiotic, alteration of the target site, or reduced uptake of the drug into the bacterial cell. The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a major concern in the use of all antibiotics, including gardimycin.

See Also

• Aminoglycoside
• Antibiotic resistance
• Actinoplanes