See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Powerful Antibiotic Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline family of antibiotics. It is designed to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to multiple antibiotics. In this article, we will explore the type of bacteria that tigecycline is designed to inhibit and 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 variety of bacterial infections. Tigecycline is marketed under the brand name Tygacil and is manufactured by Pfizer.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacterial ribosomes, preventing the synthesis of proteins essential for bacterial growth and survival. This mechanism of action is similar to that of other tetracycline antibiotics, but tigecycline has a higher affinity for the ribosomal subunit, making it more effective against a broader range of bacteria.

Target Bacteria

Tigecycline is designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB). These bacteria are often found in hospitals and healthcare settings, where they can cause serious infections in patients who are already compromised.

MRSA: A Growing Concern

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA is responsible for an estimated 80,000 infections and 11,000 deaths in the United States each year. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA, including strains that are resistant to other antibiotics.

VRE: A Threat to Hospital Patients

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) is another type of bacteria that is resistant to multiple antibiotics. According to the CDC, VRE is responsible for an estimated 20,000 infections and 1,000 deaths in the United States each year. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against VRE, including strains that are resistant to vancomycin, a commonly used antibiotic.

MDRAB: A Growing Concern in Healthcare Settings

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to multiple antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are often used as a last resort. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), MDRAB is responsible for an estimated 10% of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MDRAB, including strains that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a powerful antibiotic that is designed to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to multiple antibiotics. Its mechanism of action is similar to that of other tetracycline antibiotics, but its higher affinity for the ribosomal subunit makes it more effective against a broader range of bacteria. Tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA, VRE, and MDRAB, making it a valuable addition to the arsenal of antibiotics available to healthcare providers.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is designed to inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria.
* Its mechanism of action is similar to that of other tetracycline antibiotics, but its higher affinity for the ribosomal subunit makes it more effective against a broader range of bacteria.
* Tigecycline is effective against MRSA, VRE, and MDRAB, making it a valuable addition to the arsenal of antibiotics available to healthcare providers.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, intra-abdominal infections, and pneumonia.

2. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?

Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MRSA, including strains that are resistant to other antibiotics.

3. Is tigecycline effective against VRE?

Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against VRE, including strains that are resistant to vancomycin.

4. Is tigecycline effective against MDRAB?

Yes, tigecycline has been shown to be effective against MDRAB, including strains that are resistant to other antibiotics.

5. What are the common side effects of tigecycline?

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

Cited Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
2. World Health Organization. (2020). Acinetobacter baumannii.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Tigecycline Patent Expiration.
4. Pfizer. (2020). Tygacil Prescribing Information.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).