Streptomyces: From 1 Different Sources
n. a genus of aerobic mouldlike bacteria. Most species live in the soil, but some are parasites of animals, humans, and plants; in humans they cause *Madura foot. They are important medically as a source of such antibiotics as *streptomycin, *neomycin, *dactinomycin, and *chloramphenicol.
An antibiotic derived from a soil organism, Streptomyces venezuelae. It is also prepared synthetically. A potent broad-spectrum antibiotic, chloramphenicol may, however, cause serious side-effects such as aplastic ANAEMIA, peripheral NEURITIS, optic neuritis and, in neonates, abdominal distension and circulatory collapse. The drug should therefore be reserved for the treatment of life-threatening infections such as Haemophilus in?uenzae, SEPTICAEMIA or MENINGITIS, typhoid fever (see ENTERIC FEVER) and TYPHUS FEVER, when the causative organism proves resistant to other drugs. However, because it is inexpensive, it is used widely in developing countries. This antibiotic is available as drops for use in eye and ear infection, where safety is not a problem.... chloramphenicol
An antibiotic derived from streptomyces, which is active against a wide range of gram-positive organisms (see BACTERIA; GRAM’S STAIN), including the STAPHYLOCOCCUS. The drug has a limited use by the intravenous route in the prophylaxis and treatment of ENDOCARDITIS and other serious infections caused by gram-positive cocci – in particular, METHICILLINRESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA). It need be given only every 12 hours, although plasma concentrations should be monitored (especially in patients with renal impairment, when the dose may need marked reduction). It can both damage the middle ear and the kidney. A short course of vancomycin is e?ective in the treatment of antibiotic-associated COLITIS, for which it is given by mouth.... vancomycin
A CYTOTOXIC antibiotic, obtained from Streptomyces verticillus, used to treat solid cancerous tumours of the upper part of the gut and genital tract, and lymphomas. Like other cytotoxic drugs it can have serious side-effects, and bleomycin may cause pulmonary ?brosis and skin pigmentation.... bleomycin
A broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from Streptomyces decaris. It is active against a wide range of organisms, and is used in drops to treat infections of the eyes and ears.... framycetin
An antibiotic derived from Streptomyces kanamyceticus. It is active against a wide range of organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.... kanamycin
Neomycin is one of the AMINOGLYCOSIDES, derived from Streptomyces fradiae. It has a wide antibacterial spectrum, being e?ective against the majority of gram-negative (see GRAM’S STAIN) bacilli. Its use is limited by the fact that it is liable to cause deafness and kidney damage. Its main use is for application to the skin – either in solution or as an ointment – for the treatment of infection; it is also given by mouth for the treatment of certain forms of ENTERITIS due to E. coli.... neomycin
An antibiotic, isolated from Streptomyces noursei, active against Candida albicans (see CANDIDA). It is not absorbed from the gut but is useful in gastrointestinal and skin candidosis.... nystatin
Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic derived from a soil organism, Streptomyces rimosus. Its range of antibacterial activity is comparable to that of tetracycline (see TETRACYCLINES).... oxytetracycline
One of the MACROLIDES isolated from Streptomyces ambofaciens which is used under strict conditions for the treatment of TOXOPLASMOSIS.... spiramycin
n. any of 500 or so antibiotics synthesized or isolated from species of Streptomyces. *Doxorubicin is the most important member of this group of compounds, which have wide activity, particularly against breast cancer and lymphoma; others include *daunorubicin and epirubicin. See cytotoxic drug.... anthracycline
n. an antibiotic, derived from the bacterium Streptomyces capreolus, that is used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It is given with other antituberculosis drugs to reduce the development of resistance by the infective bacteria. The more serious side-effects include ear and kidney damage.... capreomycin
n. an *anthracycline antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces peucetius caesius and used mainly in the treatment of acute leukaemias, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and various other forms of cancer. Doxorubicin acts by interfering with the production of DNA and RNA (see also cytotoxic drug; topoisomerase inhibitor). Side-effects are those of other cytotoxic drugs; in addition, cardiotoxicity increases with cumulative dose of the drug. Use of alterative anthracyclines (e.g. epirubicin) or a liposomal preparation can reduce toxicity.... doxorubicin
an infection of the tissues and bones of the foot producing chronic inflammation (mycetoma), occurring in the tropics. It is caused by various filamentous fungi (including Madurella) and certain bacteria of the genera Nocardia and Streptomyces. Medical name: maduromycosis.... madura foot
(rapamycin) n. an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent rejection in kidney transplantation. Sirolimus was first discovered as a product of the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus in a soil sample from Rapa Nui (the Polynesian name for Easter Island), hence the alternative name. It blocks the activation of B and T lymphocytes by *interleukin 2 (IL-2).... sirolimus
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