RIFOMYCINS Meaning and
Definition
-
Rifomycins, also known as rifamycins, are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are commonly used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. They belong to the larger group of antimicrobial agents known as rifamycins.
These antibiotics are derived from the natural product rifamycin B, which is produced by the bacterium Amycolatopsis mediterranei. Rifomycins are chemically complex molecules that are characterized by a unique ansa bridge structure, which gives them their distinctive biological activity.
Rifomycins primarily exert their antimicrobial effects by inhibiting bacterial RNA synthesis. They do so by binding to the beta-subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase, thereby preventing the initiation of RNA transcription. This mechanism of action makes rifomycins particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Due to their broad spectrum of activity and efficacy against drug-resistant bacterial strains, rifomycins are commonly used in the treatment of various infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, leprosy, and certain types of staphylococcal infections. They are also used as prophylactic agents for individuals at high risk of contracting tuberculosis.
Rifomycins are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause certain adverse effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances and liver toxicity. Drug interactions are also possible, particularly with medications that are metabolized through the liver.
In summary, rifomycins are a class of potent antibiotics that are effective against a range of bacterial infections due to their ability to inhibit RNA synthesis. Their clinical use has contributed significantly to the treatment of various infectious diseases, particularly those caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
Common Misspellings for RIFOMYCINS
- eifomycins
- difomycins
- fifomycins
- tifomycins
- 5ifomycins
- 4ifomycins
- rufomycins
- rjfomycins
- rkfomycins
- rofomycins
- r9fomycins
- r8fomycins
- ridomycins
- ricomycins
- rivomycins
- rigomycins
- ritomycins
- riromycins
- rifkmycins
- riflmycins
Etymology of RIFOMYCINS
The word "Rifomycins" is derived from the term "Rifamycins". The term "Rifamycins" is a combination of two words: "Rifamycin" and "mycin".
The word "Rifamycin" is derived from the root word "Rifamycin B", which is the first discovered member of the rifamycin family of antibiotics. "Rifamycin" is derived from the combination of "Rift" and "Myc(in)".
The term "Rift" refers to the discovery of the rifamycin antibiotics by scientists Albert Schatz and Selman Waksman during their research in the 1950s. It refers to a rift or disagreement between the two scientists about the discovery, which led to legal disputes.
