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Part VII. Macrolides, azalides, ketolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins

Van Dang1, Neha Nanda, Travis W Cooper

  • 1Infectious Diseases Section, PO Box 26901, WP 1160. Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA.

The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association
|April 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This article details antimicrobials inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis via the 50S ribosomal subunit. These include macrolides, azalides, ketolides for respiratory infections, clindamycin for anaerobic infections, and streptogramins for resistant Gram-positive cocci.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antimicrobials are classified by their mechanism of action.
  • Protein synthesis inhibition is a key antimicrobial strategy.
  • The bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit is a target for several drug classes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe antimicrobials that inhibit protein synthesis at the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit.
  • To outline the primary clinical applications of these antimicrobial classes.

Main Methods:

  • Categorization of antimicrobials based on their mechanism of action.
  • Review of clinical uses for macrolides, azalides, ketolides, lincosamides, and streptogramins.

Main Results:

  • Macrolides, azalides, and ketolides target community-acquired respiratory tract infections.
  • Clindamycin (a lincosamide) is effective against anaerobic infections.
  • Quinupristin/dalfopristin (streptogramins) treat multidrug-resistant Gram-positive cocci.

Conclusions:

  • Antimicrobials targeting the 50S ribosomal subunit offer diverse therapeutic options.
  • Specific drug classes within this group are indicated for distinct types of bacterial infections.
  • Understanding the mechanism of action aids in selecting appropriate treatments for resistant pathogens.

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