Question

Microbiology Discussion Question!!!

After learning about Gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and their basic differences, answer this question: Your doctor tells you that you have developed a urinary tract infection by the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli and prescribes the antibiotic nitrofurantoin. However, you had some antibiotics left over from a previous Streptococcus infection and decide to take that antibiotic instead. Why might that not be a good idea? What should be done instead?

Answer 1

Why might that not be a good idea?

Answer: here we have to consider some of the things.

Previously used antibiotics for streptococal infections, so the antibiotic which is used might be specific for gram positive organisms. The mode of action of antibiotics for gram positive bacterial infections will differ from gram negative bacteria. beacuse cell wall composition and many other factors are different for these two types. it may leads to another side effects.

What should be done instead?

It is recommended to follow the doctor presciption because Nitrofuran is an anti bacterial agent which is specific for urinary tract infections.The broad-based nature of this mode of action may explain the lack of acquired bacterial resistance to nitrofurantoin, as the necessary multiple and simultaneous mutations of the target macromolecules would likely be lethal to the bacteria.