Aminoglycoside Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Medical Uses

• They are particularly effective against severe bacterial infections, especially those from gram-negative bacteria.
• Commonly used in treating urinary tract infections and some respiratory infections.
• They can also be used in combination with other antibiotics for enhanced effectiveness.

Side Effects

• Prolonged use can lead to kidney damage, which is a significant concern during treatment.
• They are known to cause hearing loss in some cases, particularly when used in high doses.
• Monitoring patients with regular blood tests is crucial to avoid potential toxicity.

Cultural References

• In popular medical dramas, these antibiotics are often depicted as miracle cures for tough infections, highlighting their importance in healthcare.
• Some researchers continue to explore aminoglycosides in the development of new treatments against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• They are sometimes mentioned in discussions about the balance between effective treatment and side effects, sparking debates in public health.

Research and Development

• Ongoing research focuses on modifying the chemical structure to improve their effectiveness and reduce side effects.
• Scientists are exploring the use of these antibiotics in agriculture to combat bacterial infections in crops.
• The emergence of resistant bacteria has led to increased interest in the development of new aminoglycoside variants.

Main points about word origin

• The term combines 'amino' referring to amino acids and 'glycoside,' which relates to sugars, indicating the chemical structure of these compounds.
• First discovered in the 1940s, these antibiotics were derived from soil-dwelling bacteria.
• The name reflects their complex structure that includes both amino groups and sugar components.

The term 'aminoglycoside' is derived from the components of its structure. The prefix 'amino-' indicates the presence of amino groups, which are key to the molecular architecture of these compounds, while 'glycoside' refers to the sugar moiety that is part of their structure. Aminoglycosides are naturally occurring and were initially isolated from various species of bacteria, including Streptomyces. Their use as antibiotics began in the 1940s, with streptomycin being one of the first discovered. Subsequently, numerous aminoglycosides were synthesized or isolated, expanding their application in clinical settings. Aminoglycosides are effective against aerobic gram-negative bacteria, but their side effects, particularly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, have led to careful consideration in their usage.

This word's position of #30,751 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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