Vulgamycin

Vulgamycin

Vulgamycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It was first isolated in 1967 and is known for its potent antifungal and antibacterial properties.

History

Vulgamycin was first isolated in 1967 from a strain of Streptomyces hygroscopicus found in a soil sample. The discovery of this antibiotic was significant as it added to the growing list of macrolide antibiotics, which are known for their broad-spectrum activity against a variety of pathogens.

Structure and Properties

Vulgamycin is a macrolide antibiotic, which means it has a large macrocyclic lactone ring as part of its structure. This ring is typically 12, 14, or 16 atoms in size. In the case of vulgamycin, the ring is 16 atoms. The structure of vulgamycin also includes multiple sugar residues, which are attached to the lactone ring via glycosidic bonds.

Mechanism of Action

Vulgamycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. It does this by binding to the ribosomes of the bacteria, which prevents the addition of new amino acids to the growing peptide chain. This effectively halts the production of new proteins, which is essential for the growth and survival of the bacteria.

Clinical Use

Vulgamycin has been used in the treatment of various bacterial and fungal infections. Its broad-spectrum activity makes it effective against a wide range of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.

Side Effects

Like all antibiotics, vulgamycin can cause side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity can occur.

See Also

• Macrolide
• Antibiotic
• Streptomyces hygroscopicus
• Protein synthesis

Resources

Latest articles - Vulgamycin

• Most recent articles
• Ongoing trials

Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Vulgamycin for any updates.

‎