CEPHALOSPORINS Meaning and
Definition
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Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that are derived from the fungus Cephalosporium. They are used to fight bacterial infections and inhibit the growth of various bacteria. Cephalosporins are considered broad-spectrum antibiotics, meaning they are effective against a wide range of bacterial species.
The mechanism of action of cephalosporins involves disrupting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. They bind to enzymes known as penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are responsible for building and maintaining the bacterial cell wall. By inhibiting these enzymes, cephalosporins weaken the cell wall, leading to the lysis and death of the bacteria.
Cephalosporins are used to treat a variety of infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and certain types of meningitis. They are available in various formulations, such as oral tablets, capsules, and injectable forms. The specific cephalosporin prescribed to a patient depends on several factors, including the site and severity of the infection, as well as the susceptibility of the bacteria involved.
While cephalosporins are generally safe and well-tolerated, some individuals may experience adverse reactions, such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and kidney problems. It is important for healthcare providers to consider the patient's medical history and any known allergies before prescribing cephalosporins.
Overall, cephalosporins are crucial antibiotics in the management of bacterial infections, offering effective treatment options against a wide range of bacteria.
Common Misspellings for CEPHALOSPORINS
- xephalosporins
- vephalosporins
- fephalosporins
- dephalosporins
- cwphalosporins
- csphalosporins
- cdphalosporins
- crphalosporins
- c4phalosporins
- c3phalosporins
- ceohalosporins
- celhalosporins
- ce-halosporins
- ce0halosporins
- cepgalosporins
- cepbalosporins
- cepnalosporins
- cepjalosporins
- cepualosporins
- cepyalosporins
Etymology of CEPHALOSPORINS
The word "cephalosporins" is derived from two Greek words: "kephalḗ" meaning "head" and "sphéria" meaning "sphere" or "globe". It is a combination of "cephal-" meaning "related to the head" and "-sporin", which refers to a specific type of antibiotic derived from the fungus Acremonium (formerly Cephalosporium) that was discovered in 1945. The term "cephalosporin" was coined by the scientists who first isolated and studied this group of antibiotics.
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