Which antibiotic class includes Gentamicin?

Which antibiotic class includes Gentamicin?

• A. Aminoglycosides
• B. Macrolides
• C. Fluoroquinolones
• D. Tetracyclines

Answer: (A)

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside. This class binds the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of the genetic code and preventing proper initiation of protein synthesis, which leads to bactericidal activity. Aminoglycosides are particularly effective against aerobic gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas, and are often used in serious infections, sometimes in combination with a beta-lactam to enhance bacterial killing. They require oxygen to enter bacterial cells, so anaerobes are generally less susceptible. Because they exhibit concentration-dependent killing, peak levels correlate with efficacy, but this also means toxicity risk—especially nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity—necessitates careful monitoring. They are not macrolides, which target the 50S subunit and are usually bacteriostatic, nor fluoroquinolones, which inhibit DNA gyrase/topoisomerase IV, nor tetracyclines, which also target the 30S subunit but are typically bacteriostatic.

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside. This class binds the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of the genetic code and preventing proper initiation of protein synthesis, which leads to bactericidal activity. Aminoglycosides are particularly effective against aerobic gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas, and are often used in serious infections, sometimes in combination with a beta-lactam to enhance bacterial killing. They require oxygen to enter bacterial cells, so anaerobes are generally less susceptible. Because they exhibit concentration-dependent killing, peak levels correlate with efficacy, but this also means toxicity risk—especially nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity—necessitates careful monitoring. They are not macrolides, which target the 50S subunit and are usually bacteriostatic, nor fluoroquinolones, which inhibit DNA gyrase/topoisomerase IV, nor tetracyclines, which also target the 30S subunit but are typically bacteriostatic.