Streptogramins

Streptogramins are a class of antibiotics that are effective against many bacterial infections. They are naturally produced by Streptomyces species and are used in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

History

Streptogramins were first discovered in the 1950s and have been used in veterinary medicine since the 1970s. The first streptogramin approved for use in humans was quinupristin/dalfopristin (Synercid), which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999.

Mechanism of action

Streptogramins work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. They bind to the ribosome, preventing the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain. This stops the production of essential proteins, leading to the death of the bacteria.

Types

There are two types of streptogramins: type A and type B. Type A streptogramins, such as dalfopristin, bind to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome and change its shape, making it more difficult for the ribosome to function. Type B streptogramins, such as quinupristin, bind to a nearby site and prevent the ribosome from adding new amino acids to the peptide chain.

Resistance

Bacteria can develop resistance to streptogramins through several mechanisms. These include the production of enzymes that modify the antibiotics, changes in the target site of the antibiotics, and the active efflux of the antibiotics from the bacterial cell.

Side effects

Common side effects of streptogramins include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. In rare cases, they can cause serious allergic reactions.

See also

• List of antibiotics
• Antibiotic resistance
• Protein synthesis inhibitor

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