STREPTOMYCIN Meaning and
Definition
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Streptomycin is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as aminoglycosides. It is primarily used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by a variety of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
This antibiotic is produced by certain species of the bacteria Streptomyces griseus, and is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacterium that causes tuberculosis), Yersinia pestis (the causative agent of bubonic plague), and various species of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria.
Streptomycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacterial cells, preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying. It accomplishes this by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosomes, a structure essential for protein production. By interfering with this process, the drug disrupts the bacteria's ability to produce essential proteins, effectively stopping their growth and killing them.
Streptomycin is usually administered through injection or infusion, as it is poorly absorbed when taken orally. It is commonly used in combination with other antibiotics to treat certain infections, such as tuberculosis. As with any antibiotic, the use of streptomycin can be associated with potential side effects such as nausea, dizziness, kidney damage, and hearing loss, especially if used for extended periods or in high doses. Close monitoring of patients receiving streptomycin is necessary to ensure the drug's efficacy and safety.
Common Misspellings for STREPTOMYCIN
Etymology of STREPTOMYCIN
The word "streptomycin" derives from the genus name "Streptomyces" and the suffix "-mycin".
"Streptomyces" is a genus of bacteria that was discovered by Selman Waksman and his team in 1943, who isolated the organism from soil samples. The name "Streptomyces" originates from the Greek words "strepto" meaning "twisted" and "myces" meaning "fungus", referring to the filamentous structure of the bacteria.
The suffix "-mycin" is used to denote antibiotics produced by bacteria. It is derived from "Mycobacterium", a genus of bacteria from which streptomycin was initially extracted. The suffix "-mycin" has become synonymous with antibiotics derived from bacteria, even if they do not originate from the specific genus Mycobacterium.
Similar spelling words for STREPTOMYCIN
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