Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: Classification and Resistance

1. Beta-Lactam Antibiotics: Classification and Resistance Beta-lactam antibiotics are one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics in the world. These medicines help fight bacterial infections by targeting the cell wall of bacteria, which is essential for their survival. Since the discovery of penicillin in the early 20th century, beta- lactam antibiotics have saved countless lives and revolutionized modern medicine. What Are Beta-Lactam Antibiotics? Beta-lactam antibiotics are named after their unique chemical structure – the beta-lactam ring. This ring is the active part of the antibiotic that interferes with the formation of the bacterial cell wall, making the bacteria weak and unable to survive. These antibiotics are very effective against a wide range of bacteria, especially gram-positive and some gram-negative organisms. How Do Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Work? Bacteria need a strong cell wall to maintain their shape and protect themselves from the outside environment. Beta-lactam antibiotics stop the bacteria from building this wall. They

2. block certain enzymes called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are responsible for forming the cell wall. Without a proper wall, the bacteria eventually break apart and die. This process is called bactericidal action. Classification of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Beta-lactam antibiotics are divided into four main groups. Each group has different properties and is used to treat different kinds of infections. 1. Penicillins Penicillins Penicillins were the first beta-lactam antibiotics discovered. They are still widely used today. Examples: Penicillin G Amoxicillin Ampicillin Piperacillin Uses: Throat infections Skin infections Respiratory infections Urinary tract infections Some penicillins are combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors like clavulanic acid to make them more effective against resistant bacteria. 2. Cephalosporin Cephalosporin Cephalosporins are grouped into five generations, each offering broader bacterial coverage. Generations & Examples: 1st Gen: Cephalexin 2nd Gen: Cefuroxime 3rd Gen: Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime 4th Gen: Cefepime

3. 5th Gen: Ceftaroline Uses: Pneumonia Meningitis Bone infections Septicemia 3. Carbapenems Carbapenems These are strong, broad-spectrum antibiotics used for serious infections. Examples: Imipenem Meropenem Ertapenem Uses: Infections resistant to other antibiotics Complicated abdominal infections Hospital-acquired infections 4. Monobactams Monobactams Monobactams are used mostly for infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. Example: Aztreonam Uses: Urinary tract infections Respiratory tract infections Infections in patients allergic to penicillin ? ? What Is Beta-Lactam Resistance?

4. Unfortunately, many bacteria have developed ways to resist beta-lactam antibiotics. This is a big concern in healthcare because it makes infections harder to treat. ? ? How Do Bacteria Become Resistant? Bacteria use several tricks to survive beta-lactam antibiotics: 1. Beta Beta- -Lactamase Enzymes Lactamase Enzymes These enzymes break the beta-lactam ring and stop the antibiotic from working. Some bacteria produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) that can destroy many types of beta-lactams. 2. Changes in Penicillin Changes in Penicillin- -Binding Proteins (PBPs) Binding Proteins (PBPs) Some bacteria change the shape of their PBPs so the antibiotic cannot attach and block them. 3. Efflux Pumps Efflux Pumps Bacteria can pump out the antibiotic from their cells before it can do any damage. 4. Porin Channel Changes Porin Channel Changes Some bacteria change their outer wall to stop antibiotics from entering in the first place. ? ? Why Is Resistance a Big Problem? Treatment becomes harder: Doctors need to use stronger or more toxic drugs. Hospital stays get longer: Infections take more time to cure. Costs increase: More expensive treatments and care are required. Risk of death increases: In some cases, resistant infections can be life-threatening. ️ ️ Combating Beta-Lactam Resistance Fighting resistance is possible through smart use of antibiotics and new technologies. Here are some ways:

5. 1. Using Antibiotics Wisely Using Antibiotics Wisely Only take antibiotics when they are really needed. Finish your full dose as prescribed by a doctor. 2. Beta Beta- -La Lactamase Inhibitors ctamase Inhibitors Drugs like clavulanic acid, tazobactam, and sulbactam are often added to beta-lactam antibiotics to block resistance enzymes. 3. Infection Control in Hospitals Infection Control in Hospitals Proper hygiene and sanitization help prevent the spread of resistant bacteria. 4. Development of New Antibiotics Development of New Antibiotics Scientists are working to create new drugs that can fight resistant bacteria. 5. Rapid Diagnostics Rapid Diagnostics New testing methods can quickly identify resistant bacteria, allowing better treatment decisions. Future Outlook Beta-lactam antibiotics are powerful tools, but they are slowly losing their power due to misuse and overuse. To protect public health, we must: Raise awareness about antibiotic resistance Promote antibiotic stewardship programs Support research and development for new treatments Healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and governments all have a role to play in this. ? ? Summary at a Glance Group Example Antibiotics Common Uses Penicillins Amoxicillin, Piperacillin Throat, skin, urinary tract infections

6. Group Example Antibiotics Common Uses Cephalosporins Ceftriaxone, Cefuroxime Pneumonia, meningitis Carbapenems Meropenem, Imipenem Resistant and hospital infections Monobactams Aztreonam Gram-negative infections ?Website:https://www.theonpharma.com/ ? ? Social Links https://www.facebook.com/theon.pharmaceuticals https://linkedin.com/company/theon-pharmaceuticals-ltd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA01pSBPgr4 https://x.com/THEONPHARMA