Question

One of the most challenging types of infections to treat are those produced by gram-negative enteric bacteria that produce Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs). Which type of beta-lactam drug is structurally different enough to other beta-lactams to remain effective in treating most infections caused by this type of bacteria?

Answer 1

Carbapenems

Explanation:

Carbapenems are bactericidal beta-lactam antibiotics that bind to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)

By binding and inactivating these proteins, carbapenems inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which leads to cell death

Each carbapenem has its own affinity to specific sub-types of PBPs whereas some bacteria demonstrate intrinsic resistance to the carbapenems

Generally, carbapenems work against various Gram-positive bacteria where they exhibit low minimum inhibitory concentrations on organisms like methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and S. pneumoniae

Carbapenems also have good activity against most Gram-negative bacteria, including Enterobacter, E. coli