James talks to Dr Angie Pinto about penicillins.
Summary Writer: Nicholas Malouf
Editor: Bruce Way
Interviewee: Angie Pinto
Angie Pinto is a Staff Specialist in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She graduated from the University of New South Wales, and obtained her dual fellowships in 2012. She trained at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Westmead Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. She divides her time between Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and as a researcher at The Kirby Institute.
With Dr Angie Pinto, Staff Specialist in Infectious Disease and Microbiology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
Penicillin is a class of antibiotic, which ranges from medications with a narrow spectrum of activity such as benzylpenicillin to those with a broader spectrum such as tazocin. Common indications for penicillins include skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections and mild-to-moderate community-acquired pneumonia. The mechanism of action of penicillins is to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Overview of the Penicillin Class of Antibiotics
51-year-old male with diabetes presents with a red, hot, tender right thigh. You suspect cellulitis. Hospital guidelines recommend treatment with flucloxacillin.
35-year-old female haematology patient presents with febrile neutropaenia. Local guidelines recommend tazocin and gentamicin.
Resources Available to Aid Antibiotic Prescription
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