See the DrugPatentWatch profile for tigecycline

Tigecycline: A Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Effective Against a Range of Bacteria

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that has been used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. As a member of the tetracycline family, tigecycline is effective against many types of bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics. In this article, we will explore the specific bacteria that tigecycline treats effectively, as well as its mechanism of action and potential uses.

What is Tigecycline?

Tigecycline is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that was first approved by the FDA in 2005. It is a derivative of minocycline, another tetracycline antibiotic. Tigecycline is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Mechanism of Action

Tigecycline works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of the bacterial ribosome. This prevents the bacteria from translating messenger RNA into protein, ultimately leading to the death of the bacteria.

Specific Bacteria Treated by Tigecycline

Tigecycline is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including:

Gram-Positive Bacteria

* Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA)
* Staphylococcus epidermidis
* Streptococcus pneumoniae
* Enterococcus faecalis
* Enterococcus faecium

Gram-Negative Bacteria

* Escherichia coli (E. coli)
* Klebsiella pneumoniae
* Pseudomonas aeruginosa
* Acinetobacter baumannii
* Haemophilus influenzae

Anaerobic Bacteria

* Bacteroides fragilis
* Clostridium perfringens
* Fusobacterium nucleatum

Resistance and Side Effects

While tigecycline is effective against many types of bacteria, it is not without its limitations. One of the main concerns is the development of resistance to the antibiotic. According to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the use of tigecycline has been associated with the emergence of resistant bacteria, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) (1).

Tigecycline can also cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and liver damage.

Potential Uses

Tigecycline has been used to treat a wide range of infections, including:

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Tigecycline has been shown to be effective in treating community-acquired pneumonia caused by a variety of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (2).

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

Tigecycline has also been used to treat hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii (3).

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Tigecycline has been used to treat skin and soft tissue infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes (4).

Conclusion

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that are resistant to other antibiotics. While it has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of infections, it is not without its limitations. The development of resistance to the antibiotic is a major concern, and it can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Key Takeaways

* Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria.
* It is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as anaerobic bacteria.
* Tigecycline has been used to treat a variety of infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections.
* The development of resistance to tigecycline is a major concern.
* Tigecycline can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

FAQs

1. What is tigecycline used to treat?

Tigecycline is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections.

2. Is tigecycline effective against MRSA?

Yes, tigecycline is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

3. Can tigecycline cause side effects?

Yes, tigecycline can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

4. Is tigecycline effective against anaerobic bacteria?

Yes, tigecycline is effective against anaerobic bacteria, including Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens.

5. Can tigecycline be used to treat hospital-acquired pneumonia?

Yes, tigecycline has been used to treat hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.

References

1. "Emergence of tigecycline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis in a hospital setting." Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, vol. 67, no. 5, 2012, pp. 1141-1145.
2. "Tigecycline for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia." Journal of Infectious Diseases, vol. 204, no. 1, 2011, pp. 141-148.
3. "Tigecycline for the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia." Journal of Critical Care, vol. 28, no. 2, 2013, pp. 241-246.
4. "Tigecycline for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections." Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, vol. 38, no. 3, 2013, pp. 173-178.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. "Tigecycline Patent Expiration." Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration/tigecycline/>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Tigecycline." Retrieved from <https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/tigecycline.html>
3. World Health Organization. "Tigecycline." Retrieved from <https://www.who.int/medicines/publications/drugresistance/tigecycline/en/>