Cefquinome

Cefquinome

Cefquinome is a fourth-generation cephalosporin antibiotic primarily used in veterinary medicine. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cefquinome is marketed under the trade name Cobactan by Intervet, a subsidiary of Merck & Co.

Pharmacology

Cefquinome is a beta-lactam antibiotic, which means it works by inhibiting the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. The peptidoglycan layer is important for cell wall structural integrity. The final transpeptidation step in the synthesis of the peptidoglycan is facilitated by transpeptidases known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Cefquinome binds to these PBPs and inhibits the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis, resulting in cell death.

Uses

Cefquinome is used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. These include respiratory tract infections, mastitis in dairy cows, and foot rot in cattle. It is also used to treat septicemia in calves and swine bacterial pneumonia.

Side Effects

As with all antibiotics, side effects can occur with the use of cefquinome. These can include allergic reactions, diarrhea, and changes in blood counts. In animals, side effects can also include local reactions at the site of injection.

Resistance

Resistance to cefquinome can occur through several mechanisms. These include the production of beta-lactamase enzymes that can inactivate the drug, alteration of the PBPs that the drug targets, and changes in the permeability of the bacterial cell wall that prevent the drug from reaching its target.

See Also

• Cephalosporin
• Antibiotic resistance
• Veterinary medicine