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Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Targeting Multi-Drug Resistant Bacterial Infections

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been widely used to treat a range of bacterial infections. As a member of the tetracycline family, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics. In this article, we will explore the bacterial infections that tigecycline mainly targets and discuss its mechanism of action.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that was first approved by the US FDA in 2005. It is a derivative of minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic that has been used for decades to treat a range of bacterial infections. Tigecycline is marketed under the brand name Tygacil and is manufactured by Pfizer.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome. This binding prevents the bacterial ribosome from translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into protein, effectively stopping the growth of the bacteria. Tigecycline is also able to penetrate the bacterial cell wall, allowing it to target bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Targeted Bacterial Infections

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including:

Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI)

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating cSSSI, including infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).

Abdominal Infections

Tigecycline has been used to treat abdominal infections, including peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscesses caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacteroides fragilis.

Pneumonia

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating pneumonia caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Legionella pneumophila.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Tigecycline has been used to treat UTIs caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis.

Bacteremia

Tigecycline has been used to treat bacteremia, a type of bloodstream infection caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli.

Resistance to Tigecycline

As with any antibiotic, there is a risk of developing resistance to tigecycline. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the prevalence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria is increasing, particularly among Gram-negative bacteria (1).

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been shown to be effective against a range of bacterial infections, including those caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Its mechanism of action and ability to penetrate the bacterial cell wall make it a valuable addition to the armamentarium of antibiotics available to treat bacterial infections.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that targets a range of bacterial infections, including cSSSI, abdominal infections, pneumonia, UTIs, and bacteremia.
* Tigecycline works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome.
* Tigecycline is effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria, including MRSA and VRE.
* The prevalence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria is increasing, particularly among Gram-negative bacteria.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including cSSSI, abdominal infections, pneumonia, UTIs, and bacteremia.

2. How does tigecycline work?

Tigecycline works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome.

3. Is tigecycline effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria?

Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria, including MRSA and VRE.

4. What are the side effects of tigecycline?

Common side effects of tigecycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

5. Can tigecycline be used to treat bacterial infections in children?

Tigecycline is not approved for use in children under the age of 12, and its use in children should only be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

References

1. "Prevalence of tigecycline-resistant bacteria in a tertiary care hospital" (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2018)

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Tigecycline Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline/>

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