Final answer:
Penicillinase-resistance penicillins are used to treat infections caused by bacteria that produce β-lactamase, an enzyme that renders standard penicillins inactive. These specially formulated antibiotics, like methicillin and oxacillin, target drug-resistant strains such as Staphylococcus aureus. They are used for various infections, including pneumonia and skin infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
What do Penicillinase-Resistance Penicillins Cover?
Penicillinase-resistance penicillins cover a range of bacterial infections that are caused by penicillinase-producing strains of bacteria. These bacteria produce an enzyme called β-lactamase or penicillinase, which breaks down standard penicillins, rendering them ineffective. To combat these resistant strains, penicillin analogs such as methicillin, nafcillin, and oxacillin were developed. These analogs are not inactivated by the penicillinase enzyme, allowing them to be effective against resistant strains such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Indications
The primary indications for the use of penicillinase-resistant penicillins are infections caused by penicillin-resistant gram-positive bacteria. This includes certain types of pneumonia, osteomyelitis, septicemia, endocarditis, and skin and soft tissue infections, commonly caused by Staphylococcus species.
In the past, infections by Staphylococcus aureus could be treated with penicillin. However, the evolution of drug-resistant forms of this bacterium has led to the need for alternatives such as penicillinase-resistant penicillins. These antibiotics are part of a broader spectrum of β-lactam antimicrobials, which includes penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams that inhibit cell wall synthesis. Clavulanic acid is sometimes combined with penicillins to inhibit the action of β-lactamases, offering enhanced effectiveness against resistant strains.