Lincomycin

Lincomycin

Lincomycin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is a lincosamide antibiotic, derived from the actinobacterium Streptomyces lincolnensis. Lincomycin is predominantly used against Gram-positive bacteria, and is particularly effective against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Bacteroides species.

History

Lincomycin was first isolated in 1962 from a soil sample collected in Lincoln, Nebraska. The discovery of lincomycin led to the development of a semi-synthetic derivative, clindamycin, which has since become more commonly used due to its improved properties.

Mechanism of Action

Lincomycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. It binds to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, preventing the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lincomycin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. More serious side effects can include Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, allergic reactions, and blood disorders.

Resistance

Resistance to lincomycin can occur through several mechanisms, including modification of the antibiotic target, active efflux of the drug, and enzymatic inactivation of the drug. The most common mechanism of resistance is through methylation of the 23S ribosomal RNA, which prevents lincomycin from binding to the ribosome.

See Also

• Clindamycin
• Lincosamides
• Antibiotic resistance

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