Antibiotic Resistance in the Tyrolean Alpine Space
The Map
The Antibiotics
Ampicillin
Ampicillin works by smashing the bacterial cell wall with a hammer-like action, preventing the bacteria from reproducing and causing infection. Specifically, it binds to an enzyme that is usually responsible for cross-linking the cell wall structures.
Ampicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic. This means it is effective against a variety of bacterial species and can fight them all.
Badge for being a semisynthetic antibiotic.
While it is derived from natural microorganisms, it is chemically altered to enhance its effectiveness.
Chloramphenicol
The crown represent the crown-like structures formed by the hyphae of Streptomyces venezulea — the bacterium the antibiotic is originally derived from.
Chloramphenicol works by binding to a part of the bacterial factory (called ribosome) which is responsible for linking the building blocks (amino acids) of proteins together. As a consequence, the bacterium can no longer produce proteins and ultimately dies.
Badge for being a semisynthetic antibiotic.
While it is derived from natural microorganisms, it is chemically altered to enhance its effectiveness.
Gentamicin
Gentamicin works by binding to the bacterial ribosome, a key component in the production of bacterial proteins, and preventing the completion of the protein chain, like a puzzle missing a crucial piece, ultimately leading to bacterial death.
The headphones represent the potential hearing loss that is sometimes associated with gentamicin use.
Badge for being a natural antibiotic. It was initially isolated from Micromonospora purpurea.
Linezolid
Linezolid is often used as a “last resort” antibiotic for difficult-to-treat infections. It is extremely important in case pathogens are already resistant to other antimicrobials and therefore a great defender if other options fail!
Linezolid acts as a shield to protect the host from harmful bacteria. It blocks the bacteria’s ability to produce proteins that are vital for their growth and survival, effectively weakening them and allowing the body’s immune system to eliminate the bacteria more effectively.
Badge for synthetic antibiotic. This means the antibiotic has been completely designed and produced in the lab.
Nitrofurantoin
Did you know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem for astronauts during space missions? To prevent UTIs, astronauts often take antibiotics like Nitrofurantoin, which works by damaging bacterial DNA and preventing bacterial growth. The helmet symbolizes Nitrofurantoins mission to protect against space-based bacteria and keep astronauts healthy during their cosmic adventures.
Nitrofurantoin works by damaging the DNA of bacteria, disrupting their ability to multiply and causing them to die off. Just like a bolt of lightning that strikes with precision, Nitrofurantoin delivers a powerful blow to bacteria, wiping them out and helping to prevent urinary tract infections.
Badge for synthetic antibiotic. This means the antibiotic has been completely designed and produced in the lab.
Novobiocin
Novobiocin is a natural antibiotic that was first isolated from soil bacteria. These bacteria produce novobiocin to protect themselves from competition in their environment. With its origins in the soil, novobiocin has become an important tool for fighting bacterial infections in humans. The farmer’s hat could be used to represent the antibiotic’s natural origins and its connection to the soil.
Novobiocin works by binding to a specific enzyme in bacteria called DNA gyrase, preventing it from functioning properly and inhibiting bacterial replication. Like a skilled cowboy with a lasso, novobiocin captures and immobilizes its target, stopping the spread of bacterial infections.
Badge for being a natural antibiotic. It was initially isolated from Streptomyces niveus.
Trimethoprim
Meet sulfomethoxazole. It is often used together with trimethoprim to enhance its effectiveness. The dual action makes these two antibiotics a power-team to fight a wide range of bacterial infections!
Trimethoprim works by cutting off the supply of folic acid to bacteria, like a pair of scissors. Specifically, it inhibits an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for bacterial folic acid synthesis.
Badge for synthetic antibiotic. This means the antibiotic has been completely designed and produced in the lab.
Vancomycin
Vancomycin works by smashing the bacterial cell wall with a hammer-like action, preventing the bacteria from reproducing and causing infection. Specifically, it binds to the bacterial cell wall precursor, preventing its incorporation into the growing cell wall and ultimately leading to bacterial death.
Vancomycin is considered a “last resort” antibiotic, used only when other antibiotics have failed, due to its potent action and potential for serious side effects. It is often seen as a “superhero” among antibiotics.
Badge for being a natural antibiotic. It was initially (1950!!!) isolated from Amycolatopsis oirentalis.
