Glycopeptide Antibiotics Is Unique Compared To Other Classes Of Antibiotics
The mechanism of action of Glycopeptide Antibiotics is unique compared to other classes of antibiotics. Glycopeptide antibiotics work by binding to the D-alanine-D-alanine terminus of peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall, which prevents the cross-linking of peptidoglycan strands. This ultimately leads to bacterial cell death. This mechanism of action is different from that of beta-lactam antibiotics, which work by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan. Vancomycin, the most commonly used Glycopeptide Antibiotics, is primarily used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA. Vancomycin is not effective against Gram-negative bacteria because it cannot penetrate the outer membrane of these bacteria.
