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Mysterious antibiotics: What is the origin story of cephalosporins, a close relative of penicillin?
Cephalosporin, a well-known antibiotic, has a long and mysterious origin story. As early as 1945, Italian pharmacologist Giuseppe Brotzu discovered a fungus that produces cephalosporin C near a sewage outlet off the coast of Sardinia. This discovery changed the medical world’s understanding of Perception of antibiotics. It turns out that this compound from fungi can effectively fight a variety of diseases caused by bacterial infections and opens up new prospects for the development of antibiotics.
The process of discovery
In 1945, Brozu accidentally discovered a fungus that could inhibit the growth of bacteria while conducting a field survey in the Su Siccu area of Sardinia. He found the fungus near a sewage outfall and subsequently extracted cephalosporin C. As the research deepened, this discovery not only enhanced our understanding of penicillin, but also promoted the subsequent development of multiple generations of cephalosporins.
Structure and Function
The basic structure of cephalosporin is a six-membered dihydrothiazine ring, in which the substituents determine its pharmacological properties and antibacterial activity. Changes in specific locations can affect how well a drug works. Cephalosporins tend to kill bacteria, making them useful in treating a wide range of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, especially in surgical prophylaxis, where they play a vital role.
The history of the production of cephalosporins is not accidental, but the result of decades of scientific exploration and improvement.
Clinical Use and Generational Differentiation
Cephalosporins are generally divided into several generations. The first generation mainly targets Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, while the second and third generations gradually increase their effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria)
Side Effects and Allergic Reactions
Although cephalosporins are effective in treatment, their use is also associated with certain risks. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea and rash. Patients who are allergic to cephalosporins should use it with caution, especially those with a history of penicillin allergy. Studies in recent decades have found that the risk of cross-allergy between second-generation and later cephalosporins and penicillins is relatively low, which is of great significance for clinicians in choosing antibiotics.
Recent studies have reshaped the understanding of cephalosporin allergy by indicating that the true risk of cross-reactivity is much lower than previously thought.
The problem of drug resistance
With the widespread use of antibiotics, the problem of bacterial resistance to cephalosporins has gradually emerged. Certain bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Enteroproteus, have developed resistance to some cephalosporins. This reminds us that we cannot take the use of antibiotics lightly. Reasonable selection and standardized use will be the key direction of future antibiotic use.
Future Outlook
The story of cephalosporins is not over yet. As the demand for antibiotics continues to increase, scientists are still exploring and developing new cephalosporins to fight new bacterial invasions. With the advancement of science and technology, we expect there will be more solutions to deal with the growing problem of drug resistance in the future.
Ultimately, cephalosporins are not only the culmination of past efforts, but also an integral part of future medical solutions. In the ever-changing medical environment, what direction do you think antibiotic research and development will go in next?
