Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis01:23

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis

Bacterial cell walls are typically rigid structures composed mainly of peptidoglycan, a mesh-like polymer that provides mechanical strength and maintains cell shape. The synthesis of peptidoglycan is a crucial process in bacterial growth and serves as a primary target for many antibiotics.Mechanism of Action of Beta-Lactam AntibioticsBeta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis in actively growing cells. These antibiotics share a characteristic four-membered...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Tetanus01:29

Tetanus

Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disorder characterized by persistent muscle contractions and spastic paralysis. It is caused by Clostridium tetani, a motile, Gram-positive, rod-shaped, obligate anaerobe. These bacteria produce terminal endospores, giving them a distinctive “lollipop” or “tennis-racket” appearance. They thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in deep puncture wounds.Once introduced into the body, the spores germinate into vegetative cells. These cells...
Antibiotic Selection00:57

Antibiotic Selection

Overview
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Importance of circulating antibodies in protection against meningococcal disease.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics·2012
Same author

Ertapenem or ticarcillin/clavulanate for the treatment of intra-abdominal infections or acute pelvic infections in pediatric patients.

American journal of surgery·2007
Same author

Vaccine shortages eliminate possibility for excess capacity in stockpiles.

Pediatric annals·2004
Same author

Fluoroquinolones: considerations for future use.

The Pediatric infectious disease journal·2002

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Antibiotic Dereplication Using the Antibiotic Resistance Platform
10:49

Antibiotic Dereplication Using the Antibiotic Resistance Platform

Published on: October 17, 2019

Ertapenem.

Blaise L Congeni1

  • 1Akron Children's Hospital - Pediatric Infectious Diseases, One Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44333, USA. bcongeni@chmca.org

Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|February 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Carbapenems are vital antibiotics for treating resistant infections. Ertapenem, with its unique spectrum and pharmacokinetics, is well-suited for outpatient and community-acquired infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Microbiology
  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background:

  • Carbapenems are broad-spectrum antibiotics crucial for hospital-acquired infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
  • Ertapenem, a carbapenem, possesses a narrower spectrum, lacking reliable activity against Pseudomonas and Enterococcus, making it suitable for community-acquired infections.
  • Its favorable pharmacokinetic profile positions ertapenem for effective use in outpatient settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, safety, and indications of carbapenems, with a focus on ertapenem.
  • To elucidate the pharmacological and microbiological differences among carbapenems, particularly highlighting ertapenem's distinct characteristics.
  • To guide clinicians in identifying appropriate clinical scenarios for considering ertapenem therapy.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Antibiotic Dereplication Using the Antibiotic Resistance Platform
10:49

Antibiotic Dereplication Using the Antibiotic Resistance Platform

Published on: October 17, 2019

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on carbapenem chemistry and mechanism of action, including inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins.
  • Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, emphasizing ertapenem's time-dependent killing profile.
  • Compilation of safety data and established indications for carbapenem use, including specific infections treated by ertapenem.

Main Results:

  • Carbapenems function by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and exhibit resistance to common beta-lactamases.
  • Ertapenem demonstrates efficacy in treating intra-abdominal infections, acute pelvic infections, complicated skin and skin structure infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and complicated urinary tract infections.
  • Understanding the pharmacological and microbiological distinctions between carbapenems is essential for optimal therapeutic selection.

Conclusions:

  • Significant differences exist among carbapenem antibiotics.
  • Ertapenem's unique properties offer specific advantages in certain clinical situations, as detailed in this review.
  • This review provides a foundation for informed decision-making regarding ertapenem utilization.