You can see from this chart that the root words: sulfa, oxacins, cillins, and mycins are not exact for each category. It is helpful, however, as the types are used for different pathological (disease-causing) organisms.
Explore the organisms that antibiotics are used for.
Include the following aspects in the assignment:
Make a simple chart for each of the six categories of antibiotics in the chart
Research each category and under each describe the specific type of organism each might be used for (gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacillus, etc.)
Include the illness that might be caused by the organism (gastroenteritis, pneumonia, skin infection)
Cite any references. At all times proper grammar, sentence structure, and spelling.
Antibiotics and Their Target Organisms
Antibiotics are classified into various categories based on their chemical structure and mechanism of action. Each category is effective against specific types of pathogenic organisms. Below is a chart summarizing six major categories of antibiotics, the organisms they target, and the illnesses caused by these organisms.
Category Type of Organism Illness Caused
1. Sulfonamides Gram-positive cocci (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) Urinary tract infections, pneumonia
Gram-negative bacilli (e.g., Escherichia coli) Gastroenteritis
Some protozoa (e.g., Plasmodium) Malaria
2. Penicillins Gram-positive cocci (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae) Pneumonia, skin infections
Some Gram-negative cocci (e.g., Neisseria meningitidis) Meningitis
Anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides fragilis) Intra-abdominal infections
3. Cephalosporins Gram-positive cocci (e.g., Staphylococcus epidermidis) Skin and soft tissue infections
Gram-negative bacilli (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae) Respiratory tract infections
Pseudomonas species Hospital-acquired infections
4. Tetracyclines Gram-positive cocci (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) Acne, respiratory infections
Gram-negative bacilli (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae) Sinusitis, bronchitis
Intracellular organisms (e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis) Chlamydia infection
5. Macrolides Gram-positive cocci (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae) Respiratory infections
Atypical organisms (e.g., Mycoplasma pneumoniae) Atypical pneumonia
Some Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Neisseria gonorrhoeae) Gonorrhea
6. Aminoglycosides Gram-negative bacilli (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) Severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients
Some Gram-positive bacteria (when combined with other antibiotics) Endocarditis
Mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis) Tuberculosis
References
1. Kauffman, C. A., & Lindsley, C. D. (2019). Antibiotic Therapy: An Overview. American Family Physician. Retrieved from aafp.org
2. "Antibiotics." (2021). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from cdc.gov
3. "Antibiotic Classification." (2020). National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Retrieved from niaid.nih.gov
This chart provides a summary of the major antibiotic categories, the organisms they target, and the illnesses associated with those organisms. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective treatment in clinical settings and can aid in combating antibiotic resistance by ensuring appropriate antibiotic use.