Lividomycin

Lividomycin

Lividomycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the aminoglycoside class of drugs. It is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces lividus and is used primarily in the treatment of various bacterial infections.

History

Lividomycin was first isolated from Streptomyces lividus in the 1950s. The discovery of this antibiotic was a significant milestone in the field of pharmacology, as it expanded the range of treatments available for bacterial infections.

Pharmacology

Lividomycin works by binding to the ribosomes of bacteria, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis. This prevents the bacteria from growing and reproducing, which eventually leads to their death. Like other aminoglycosides, Lividomycin is particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria.

Clinical Use

Lividomycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including those caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species. It is also used in the treatment of tuberculosis, although it is not a first-line drug for this disease.

Side Effects

As with all medications, Lividomycin can cause side effects. The most common of these include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects can include ototoxicity (damage to the ear) and nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidneys).

Resistance

Bacterial resistance to Lividomycin can occur, and is typically the result of mutations that alter the bacterial ribosome, preventing the antibiotic from binding effectively. This is a significant concern in the field of infectious disease, and research is ongoing to develop new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.

See Also

• Aminoglycoside
• Antibiotic resistance
• Pharmacology