Aminoglycoside: meaning, definitions and examples
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aminoglycoside
[ˌæmɪnoʊˈɡlaɪkoʊsaɪd ]
Definition
medical terminology
Aminoglycoside refers to a class of antibiotics that are used to treat various types of bacterial infections. They work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, leading to the death of the bacteria. Common examples include gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin.
Synonyms
anti-infective, antibiotic, bactericidal.
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed an aminoglycoside to treat the severe infection.
- Aminoglycosides are often used in combination with other antibiotics.
- Patients receiving aminoglycosides must be monitored for potential kidney damage.
- The use of aminoglycosides has decreased due to resistance.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "aminoglycoside" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aminoglicosídeo
🇮🇳 एमिनोग्लाइकोसाइड
🇩🇪 Aminoglykosid
🇮🇩 aminoglikosida
🇺🇦 аміноглікозид
🇵🇱 aminoglikozyd
🇯🇵 アミノグリコシド
🇫🇷 aminoglycoside
🇪🇸 aminoglucósido
🇹🇷 aminoglikozid
🇰🇷 아미노글리코사이드
🇸🇦 أمينوغليكوزيد
🇨🇿 aminoglykosid
🇸🇰 aminoglykosid
🇨🇳 氨基糖苷
🇸🇮 aminoglikozid
🇮🇸 amínóglýkósíð
🇰🇿 аминогликозид
🇬🇪 ამინოგლიკოზიდი
🇦🇿 aminoglikozid
🇲🇽 aminoglucósido