Penicillin is an important antibiotic discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan in the bacterial cell wall. There are several classifications of penicillin including natural, semi-synthetic, and extended spectrum varieties. Penicillin is used to treat infections caused by streptococci, pneumococci, meningococci, gonococci, syphilis, anaerobes, tetanus and gas gangrene. Adverse effects include local reactions at the injection site, hypersensitivity, bleeding issues, and potential brain toxicity in rare cases.
2. Introduction
Antibiotic: Any substance that inhibits the growth and replication of a bacterium
or kills it outright.
Penicillin:Obtained from Fungus Penicillium Chrysogenum
Discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928.
One of the most important group of antibiotics.
4. Penicillin
Bind (PBP) on the cell wall of susceptible bacteria
Inhibits transpeptidation
Prevents peptidoglycan synthesis
Cell wall deficient forms spheroplasts & filamentous forms
Autolysis
Cell death (bactericidal action)