Butirosin sulfate is a medication used to treat severe infections. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /bjuːˈtɪrəsɪn ˈsʌlfeɪt/. The first syllable, "bu," is pronounced with a long "u" sound. The second syllable, "tir," uses a stressed "i" sound. The suffix "-osin" is pronounced with a long "o" sound followed by a silent "s." Finally, "sulfate" is pronounced with stress on the first syllable, a silent "l," and a long "a" sound.
Butirosin sulfate is an antibiotic compound that is primarily produced by certain strains of Bacillus circulans, a type of bacteria commonly found in soil. It belongs to the class of aminoglycoside antibiotics, which are known for their potent antibacterial properties. Butirosin sulfate exhibits a broad range of activity against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those responsible for severe infections like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
As a sulfate salt, butirosin sulfate is formed by the combination of the aminoglycoside butirosin with sulfuric acid. This salt form enhances the stability and solubility of the compound, making it suitable for pharmaceutical applications. Butirosin sulfate acts by interfering with the protein synthesis process in bacteria, specifically by binding to the ribosomes - the cellular structures responsible for protein production. This disruption prevents the bacteria from synthesizing essential proteins, leading to growth inhibition and eventually bacterial cell death.
Due to its efficacy against a wide range of bacterial pathogens, butirosin sulfate has been extensively studied and investigated for its potential use in medical treatments. However, it is important to note that like other aminoglycoside antibiotics, butirosin sulfate may exhibit toxic effects to the kidneys and hearing. Therefore, it is typically used as a last option or in conjunction with other antibiotics, under strict medical supervision, and with careful monitoring of kidney function and hearing status.
The word "Butirosin" comes from a combination of two words: "Butyri" and "rosin". "Butyri" is derived from the Latin word "butyrum", which means "butter". "Rosin" refers to a resin obtained from pine trees.
"Sulfate" is derived from the Latin word "sulfur", which means "sulfur", and the suffix "-ate" indicates the presence of an oxygen atom bonded to a sulfur atom, forming a sulfate ion.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "Butirosin Sulfate" indicates a compound that combines a butyric acid-like structure, potentially derived from butter, with a sulfuric acid salt.