31-03-2020 CQS

31-03-2020 ANTIBIOTICS - CLASSES AND TARGETS

Sesión 125

Autor: Christian Quintus Scheckhuber iD

Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico.

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.15255.11682/2

Editado por: Brenda Luna Sosa y Jesús Muñoz-Rojas (Instituto de Ciencias BUAP)

ABSTRACT

This presentation gives an overview on antibiotics, compounds that are used to treat infectious diseases. In the first part, a brief introduction on the history and relevance of antibiotics is given. The second part explains how antibiotics are able to kill bacteria or at least inhibit their growth. Among these targets are cell wall biosynthesis, DNA replication and protein production. Part three details some challenges that our health systems face to combat the emergence of resistant ‘superbugs’. Some mechanisms are detailed by which bacteria can become resistant to the action of antibiotics and turn into these superbugs. The fourth and final part of the presentation outlines some strategies how to identify or develop novel antibiotics in order to be prepared for ‘superbugs’. As an appendix, a brief test is provided in which you can test your knowledge on antibiotics.

Keywords: antibiotics; infectious diseases; bacteria; targets; superbugs.