Streptomycin sulfate

Streptomycin sulfate is an antibiotic medication primarily used to treat tuberculosis. It is a type of aminoglycoside antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of proteins in bacteria, thereby stopping their growth.

History

Streptomycin was first isolated in 1943 by Albert Schatz, a graduate student in the laboratory of Selman Waksman at Rutgers University. It was the first antibiotic discovered after penicillin and the first antibiotic that was effective against tuberculosis. Streptomycin sulfate is the salt form of streptomycin that is commonly used in medical applications.

Medical Uses

Streptomycin sulfate is used to treat several types of bacterial infections, including tuberculosis, plague, and brucellosis. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent the development of drug resistance. It is also used in the treatment of endocarditis, a heart infection, when the causative organism is not susceptible to other antibiotics.

Side Effects

Like all medications, streptomycin sulfate can cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and rash. More serious side effects can include kidney damage, hearing loss, and vertigo.

Mechanism of Action

Streptomycin sulfate works by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of the bacteria, which interferes with the synthesis of proteins. This prevents the bacteria from growing and reproducing.

Resistance

Resistance to streptomycin sulfate can develop through several mechanisms, including modification of the antibiotic, alteration of the target site, or increased efflux of the antibiotic. The development of resistance is a major concern in the use of streptomycin sulfate, and it is often used in combination with other antibiotics to prevent this.

See Also

• Antibiotic resistance
• Tuberculosis treatment
• Aminoglycoside