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56 Cards in this Set

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potentiated penicillins
chemically combined with another drug to enhance the effects of both
cephalosporins
semisynthetic, broad spectrum antibiotics introduced in the 1960s and are produced from chemical manipulation of cephalosporin.
bacitracin
disrupts the bacterial cell wall like penicillin and cephalosporin but not via the same mechanism. Bacitracin works primarily against gram positive bacteria. Popular as a topical medication for the skin.
vancomycin
glycopeptide bactericidal antibiotic that is effective against may gram positive bacteria.
carbapenems
antibiotics that inhibit synthesis of the bacteria cell wall and are therefore bactericidal.
antimicrobials
An antimicrobial is a chemical substance that has the capacity, in diluted solutions, to kill (biocidal activity) or inhibit the growth (biostatic activity) of microbes

Antimicrobials can be classified as:
Antibiotics
Antifungals
Antivirals
Antiprotozoals
Antiparasitics
Pathogenic Microorganisms
Cause a wide variety of infections and illness in different organs or body systems
May be classified as local or systemic
A localized infection may involve skin or an internal organ and may progress into a systemic infection
A systemic infection involves the whole animal and is more serious than a local infection
antimicrobials
The goal of antimicrobial treatment is to render the microbe helpless (either by killing them or inhibiting their replication) and not to hurt the animal being treated
Antibiotic treatment is accomplished by making sure that the infecting bacteria are susceptible to the antibiotic, that the antibiotic reaches the infection site and that the animal can tolerate the drug
Agar Diffusion Test
A.k.a. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic sensitivity testing
Used to determine if a particular antibiotic is effective against a particular bacterium.
Antibiotic-impregnated disks placed onto agar plates containing bacteria being tested.
After incubation at proper temperature for the proper time, zones of inhibition (clear zones) are measured and compared to a standardized chart to determine R.
R = resistant (antibiotic does not work); I = intermediate (antibiotic may work); S = sensitive (antibiotic will work)
Antibiotics
Antibiotics work only on bacteria and are described by their spectrum of action (range of bacteria for which the agent is effective)
Narrow-spectrum antibiotics work only on either gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria (not both)
Broad-spectrum antibiotics work on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (but not necessarily all)
Antibiotics can be classified as bactericidal or bacteriostatic
Bactericidals kill the bacteria
Bacteriostatics inhibit the growth or replication of bacteria
How Do Antibiotics Work?
Antibiotics work by a variety of mechanisms:
Inhibition of cell wall synthesis
Damage to the cell membrane
Inhibition of protein synthesis
Interference with metabolism
Impairment of nucleic acids
Considerations when using antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance
Means that the bacteria survive and continue to multiply after administration of the antibiotic
Occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of the agent used to cure or prevent the infection
Can develop through bacterial mutation, bacteria acquiring genes that code for resistance, or other means
Considerations when using antibiotics
An antibiotic residue is the presence of a chemical or its metabolites in animal tissue or food products
Antibiotic residues can cause allergic reactions in people or can produce resistant bacteria that can be transferred to people who consume these products
Withdrawal times for antibiotics are aimed at eliminating antibiotic residues in food-producing animals
Considerations when using antibiotics
The FDA approves all drugs marketed for use in animals in the United States
The FDA also establishes tolerances for drug residues to insure food safety
The FDA also establishes withdrawal times and withholding periods
Times after drug treatment when milk and eggs are not to be used for food, and also when animals are not to be slaughtered for their meat
Classes of Antibiotics
Cell wall agents
Protein synthesis agents
Antimetabolites
Nucleic acid agents
Miscellaneous agents
Cell Wall Agents
Penicillins
Have beta-lactam structure that interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis
Identified by the –cillin ending in the drug name
Spectrum of activity depends on the type of penicillin
Cell Wall Agents
Penicillins (cont.)
Penicillin G and V are narrow-spectrum gram-positive antibiotics
Penicillin G is given parenterally
Only sodium or potassium salt of Pen-G can be admin. IV
Penicillin V is given orally
Give PCN on empty stomach (except amoxicillin)
Broader-spectrum penicillins are semi-synthetic
Examples include amoxicillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, ticarcillin, and methicillin
cell wall agents
Penicillins (cont.)
Beta-lactamase resistant penicillins are more resistant to beta-lactamase (an enzyme produced by some bacteria that destroys the beta-lactam structure of penicillin)
Examples include methicillin, oxacillin, dicloxacillin, cloxacillin, and floxacillin
Potentiated penicillins are chemically combined with another drug to enhance the effects of both
An example is a drug containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (which binds to beta-lactamase to prevent the beta-lactam ring from being destroyed
cell wall agents
Cephalosporins
Are semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotics that are structurally related to the penicillins
Have the beta-lactam ring
Can be identified by the ceph- or cef- prefix in the drug name
Are classified into four generations
In general, as the number of the generation increases, the spectrum of activity broadens (but becomes less effective against gram-positive bacteria)
convenia
Convenia® (cefovecin sodium)
First antibiotic that provides an assured course of treatment by providing up to 14 days of treatment in a single injection, eliminating missed doses associated with daily oral antibiotic administration
Labeled specifically for secondary superficial pyoderma, abscesses, and wounds (S. intermedius, S. canis ) in dogs and abscesses and wounds (P. multocida) in cats.
Must be reconstituted, refrigerated, and used within 28 days of reconstitution
Second dose may be necessary in 14 days.
cell wall agents
Bacitracin
Disrupts the bacterial cell wall and is effective against gram-positive bacteria
Used topically (skin, mucous membranes, eyes) and as a feed additive
Toxic to kidneys
Vancomycin
Bacteriocidal; effective against many gram-positive bacteria; used for resistant infections
Useful in treatment of Staphylococcus aureus
cell membrane agents
Polymyxin B
Works by attacking the cell membrane of bacteria (remember that animal cells have cell membranes too)
Is a narrow-spectrum, gram-positive antibiotic
Not absorbed when taken orally or applied topically
Used as an ointment or wet dressing
Often combined with neomycin and bacitracin = triple ABX ointment
Protein Synthesis Agents
Aminoglycosides
Interfere with the production of protein in bacterial cells
Are a specialized group of antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity, used for gram-negative bacteria
Are not absorbed well from the GI tract, so are given parenterally
May be recognized by –micin or –mycin ending in drug name (but are not the only group to use these suffixes)
Side effects are nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity
Examples include gentamicin, neomycin, amikacin, tobramycin, and dihydrostreptomycin
NOT approved for use in food-producing animals.
Protein Synthesis Agents
Tetracyclines
Are a group of bacteriostatic antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity, including rickettsial agents
Treats Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Hemobartonella, others…
Can bind to calcium (affecting muscle contraction) and be deposited in growing bones and teeth, or bind components of antacids and other mineral-containing compounds
Are recognized by –cycline ending in drug name
Examples include tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline
Oral and parenteral forms
Protein Synthesis Agents
Chloramphenicol
Is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that penetrates tissues and fluids well (including the eyes and CNS)
Has toxic side effects (bone marrow depression) that extremely limit use
Use caution when handling this product
Chloramphenicol is the only drug in this category
Also available in ophthalmic solution
Used for RMSF (among other conditions)
Banned from use in food-producing animals.
Not considered a first-line drug
Protein Synthesis Agents
Florfenicol (Nuflor®)
Is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotic
Injectable solution
Used to treat bovine respiratory disease and foot rot.
Side effects include local tissue reaction (possible loss of tissue at slaughter), inappetence,
decreased water consumption, and
diarrhea
Florfenicol is the only drug in this
category
Protein Synthesis Agents
Macrolides
Interfere with the production of protein in bacterial cells
Are broad-spectrum antibiotics that have a large molecular structure
Used to treat penicillin-resistant infections or in animals that have allergic reactions to penicillins
May cause stomach upset in animals
Erythromycin (oral or ointment)
Tylosin (used mainly in livestock - can cause fatal diarrhea in horses)
Tilmicosin (used to treat bovine respiratory disease – single injection)
Protein Synthesis Agents
Lincosamides
Interfere with the production of protein in bacterial cells
Are narrow-spectrum, gram-positive antibiotics
Side effects include GI problems
Veterinarians typically use erythromycin instead.
Examples include clindamycin, pirlimycin, and lincosamide
Antimetabolites
Sulfonamides
Are broad-spectrum antibiotics that inhibit the synthesis of folic acid (needed for the growth of many bacteria)
Some are designed to stay in the GI tract (enteric forms); some are absorbed by the GI tract and penetrate tissues (systemic forms)
Side effects include crystalluria, KCS (dry eye), and skin rashes
Precipitate in kidneys of animals that are dehydrated or have acidic urine; Adequate water intake = very important!
Bactericidal when potentiated with trimethoprim or ormetoprim
Examples include sulfadiazine/trimethoprim, sulfadimethoxine, and sulfadimethoxine/ormetoprim
Miscellaneous Agents
Are broad-spectrum antibiotics that include furazolidone, nitrofurazone, and nitrofurantoin
Used to treat wounds (topically) and urinary tract infections
Filtered unchanged through kidneys
Carcinogenic residues in animal tissues
Nitroimiazoles
Have antibacterial and antiprotozoal activity; work by disrupting DNA and nucleic acid synthesis
An example is metronidazole, which is considered by some the drug of choice for canine diarrhea
Nucleic Acid Agents
Fluoroquinolones
Are antibiotics with fluorine bound to the quinolone base, which increases the drug’s potency, spectrum of activity, and absorption
Are broad-spectrum antibiotics (gram + and gram -)
Can be recognized by –floxacin ending in drug name
Side effects include development of bubble-like cartilage lesions in growing dogs, and crystalluria
Quinolone-induced blindness in cats.
Indiscriminate use may result in bacterial resistance.
Examples include enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, orbifloxacin, difloxacin, marbofloxacin, and sarafloxacin
Metronidazole
Metronidazole (Flagyl®) is drug of choice for canine diarrhea
Used to treat Giardia and Trichomonas infections
Also used for amoebiasis and anaerobic bacteria
Oral or intravascular administration
No approved veterinary form of metronidazole (used off-label)
Do not use in pregnant animals
Can cause neurologic signs (especially when given IV)
Miscellaneous Agents
Rifampin
Disrupts RNA synthesis
Is broad-spectrum; used in conjunction with other antibiotics (usually erythromycin)
May impart a reddish color to urine, tears, sweat, and saliva.

Refer to Table 14-2 in your textbook for a review of antibiotics used in veterinary practice
Antifungal Agents
Antifungals are chemicals used to treat diseases caused by fungi (mold or yeast)
Some fungal diseases are superficial (ringworm); others are systemic (blastomycosis)
Diagnosed by fungal media or serologic tests
Fungal infections are difficult to treat, and it takes a long course of drug treatment to resolve these infections.
Categories of Antifungals
Polyene antifungal agents
Imidazole antifungal agents
Antimetabolic antifungal agents
Superficial antifungal agents
Polyene antifungals
Work by binding to the fungal cell membrane
Examples:
Nystatin (Panalog®)
frequently prescribed for proliferation of Candida albicans in the GI tract; a common result of antitiotic therapy
Topical, oral, or IV
Amphotericin B (Fungizone®)
used IV for systemic mycoses
extremely nephrotoxic, is light sensitive, and is usually given through a filter system because it can precipitate out of solution
Imidazole antifungals
Work by causing leakage of the fungal cell membrane
Examples:
Ketoconazole
Oral and topical only
Miconazole (Monistat®, Conofite®)
Parenteral and topical forms only
Itraconazole
Oral
Fewer side effects than Ketoconazole and
Miconazole
Fluconazole (Diflucan®)
Oral or IV
Especially useful in treating CNS infections
Side effects = vomiting and diarrhea
Antimetabolic antifungals
Work by interfering with the metabolism of RNA and proteins
An example is flucytosine
usually used in combination with other antifungals
Well absorbed by the GI tract
Main side effect = bone marrow abnormalities
Superficial antifungals
Work by disrupting fungal cell division
An example is griseofulvin, an oral medication used to treat dermatophyte (ringworm)infections
Administer with a fatty meal
Ultramicrosize better absorbed than microsize formulation
Gastrointestinal and teratogenic side effects; do not administer to pregnant or breeding animals
Antifungal Agents
Other antifungals
Lufenuron is used to treat ringworm in cats
Lyme sulfur is used topically to treat ringworm

Refer to Table 14-3 in your textbook for a review of antifungal agents
Antiviral Agents
Viruses are intracellular invaders that alter the host cell’s metabolic pathways
Antiviral drugs act by preventing viral penetration of the host cell or by inhibiting the virus’s production of RNA or DNA
Antiviral drugs used in veterinary practice are:
Acyclovir (Zovirax®) interferes with the virus’s synthesis of DNA
used to treat ocular feline herpes virus infections
Tablets, suspension, injectable
Interferons protect host cells from a number of different viruses
Roferon-A® - an interferon inducer
used to treat ocular feline herpes virus infection and FeLV
Stimulates noninfected cells to produce antiviral proteins
Controlling Growth of Microorganisms
Sterilization is the removal or destruction of all microbes
achieved by steam under pressure, incineration, or ethylene oxide gas
Asepsis
An environment or procedure that is free of contamination by pathogens
Disinfection = using physical or chemical agents to reduce the number of pathogens on inanimate objects
Disinfectants vs Antiseptics
Disinfectants kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on inanimate objects
Antiseptics kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on animate objects
Ideal agents should:
Be easy to apply
Not damage or stain
Be nonirritating
Have the broadest possible spectrum of activity
Be affordable
Things to keep in mind when choosing/using products…
Keep in mind the surface it will be applied to
Keep in mind the range of organisms you want to eliminate
Products may be less effective in the presence of organic waste (must be applied to a thoroughly clean surface)
Read the package insert for dilution recommendations and special use instructions
Always start with the quantity of water and add the chemical concentrate to avoid splashing chemicals into your eyes.
Contact time is critical to the efficacy of the product
Keep MSDS on all products
Material Safety Data Sheets
Always request and keep MSDS
Filing of MSDS and container labeling are important components of each facility’s hazard communication plan, which is required by OSHA
Hazard Communication Standard was enacted in 1988 to educate and protect employees who work with potentially hazardous material
Hazard Communication Plan
Should include:
A written plan that serves as a primary resource for the entire staff
Name of person responsible for keeping MSDS current
Location of where MSDS kept, how obtained
Procedures for labeling materials
Outline emergency and clean-up procedures
An inventory of hazardous materials on the premises
Current MSDS for hazardous materials
Proper labeling of all materials in the facility
Employee training for every employee working with these materials
Must be on all MSDSs:
Product name and chemical identification
Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer
List of all hazardous ingredients
Physical data for the product
Fire and explosion information
Information on potential chemical reactions when the product is mixed with other materials
Outline of emergency and cleanup procedures
Personal protective equipment required when handling the material
A description of any special precautions necessary when using the material
Types of Disinfecting Agents
Phenols
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Aldehydes
Ethylene oxide
Alcohols
Halogens
Biguanide
Phenols
Work by destroying the selective permeability of cell membranes
First antiseptics developed
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and some enveloped viruses
Ineffective against non-enveloped viruses or bacterial spores
Should not be used as antiseptics because:
Can be very irritating to skin
Can be absorbed systemically
Linked to neurotoxicity
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Work by concentrating at the cell membrane and dissolving lipids in the cell walls and membranes
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses
Not effective against spores; limited efficacy on fungi
Third generation QACs work on enveloped viruses (Roccal D-plus – parvo)
Usually not irritating to skin or corrosive to metal
Organic debris, hard water, and soaps will inactivate QACs
Aldehydes
Organic compounds that contain a functional group –CHO (carbon-hydrogen-oxygen)
Work by affecting protein structure
Rapid; kills fungi and bacteria within minutes and spores in about 3 hours.
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores
Not inactivated by organic debris
Toxic fumes; ventilation necessary
Ethylene oxide
Works by destroying DNA and proteins
Is a gas used for chemical sterilization
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores
Very slow acting
Explosive; potent carcinogen
Can sterilize objects that cannot withstand heat
Alcohols
Either 70% Ethyl alcohol or 50% or 70% Isopropyl alcohol in
aqueous solutions
Work by coagulating proteins and dissolving membrane lipids
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses
Ineffective on spores and nonenveloped viruses
Non-irritating, non-toxic, inexpensive
Must be applied in sufficient quantity, at proper concentration, and for an adequate time (several seconds to minutes) to be effective.
Not recommended as antiseptic because it is painful and it denatures proteins
Affected by dirt and organic debris
Halogens
Work by interfering with proteins and enzymes of
the microbe
Chlorine kills bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores
Found in household bleach (Chlorox®)
Routinely used in a 1:10 solution
Easily inactivated by organic material
Becomes unstable if exposed to light
Iodine kills most classes of microbes if used at the proper concentration and exposure times
Commonly used as topical antiseptics
Iodophors – complexes of iodine and neutral polymer such as
PVA
Marketed as scrubs (have soap products added), solutions
(diluted with water), tinctures (diluted with alcohol)
Betadine®, Providine®
Biguanides
Work by denaturing proteins
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative
bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses
Does not work on nonenveloped viruses and spores
FeLV, FIP
Fast acting
Chlorhexidine (Nolvasan®, Hibiclens®)
Commonly used as a surgical scrub and for cleaning wounds
Can have residual activity of 24 hours
One of the most commonly used disinfectants and antiseptics
in vet med.
Also shampoos, oral care, and ear cleaning solutions
Other agents
Hydrogen peroxide damages proteins and is used to kill anaerobic bacteria; can cause tissue damage, so its use is limited
Good for oral infections
Soaps and detergents have limited bactericidal activity
Main functions are mechanical removal of debris
May contain ingredients effective against some bacteria
Do not work on spores and have limited antiviral properties

Refer to Table 14-4 in your textbook for actions and uses of disinfecting agents