Learning Objectives

• Describe the principle of ‘selective toxicity’ and use this to explain the major cellular targets of antimicrobial drugs
• Define common terms associated with antimicrobial therapy
• Describe the mechanism of action of each major class of antibacterial drugs: beta-lactams (penicllins, cephalosporins), glycopeptides, tetracyclines, macrolides, aminoglycosides, lincosamides chloramphenicol, quinolones, rifamycins, nitroimidazoles, folate inhibitors
• Outline the mechanism of action of the major classes of drugs used to treat fungal and parasitic infections
• Outline the major adverse effects, contraindications and interactions of the major antimicrobial drug classes
• Describe the cellular mechanisms responsible for antibiotic resistance
• Outline the principles of ’antibiotic stewardship’ and approaches to effective prescribing of antimicrobial drugs
• Use clinical guidelines to determine the appropriate antimicrobial therapy for some common presentations
• Resources

Antimicrobial Therapy

• what is a broad vs narrow-spectrum drug?
• what is a bactericidal vs bacteriostatic drug?
• what are the 3 categories of use of antimicrobial therapy?
• what is the principle of selective toxicity?
• what can be targeted to ensure selective toxicity?
• what are the 4 main mechanisms of antimicrobials?

Antimicrobial Resistance & Stewardship

• what is intrinsic vs acquired resistance?