Final answer:
Antibiotics like amoxicillin target bacterial cell walls, disrupting peptidoglycan synthesis. Clavulanic acid is combined with amoxicillin to inhibit the resistance mechanism β-lactamase. Patients are advised to complete their antibiotic course to prevent resistance and ensure infection clearance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate and Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin target the bacterial cell wall, specifically the synthesis of peptidoglycan. This action makes bacterial cells susceptible to osmotic lysis because human cells do not produce peptidoglycan, demonstrating selective toxicity. However, bacteria have developed resistance mechanisms, including the production of β-lactamases, enzymes that break down the β-lactam ring of antibiotics, rendering them ineffective.
To combat this, clavulanic acid is combined with amoxicillin. Developed in the 1970s, clavulanic acid inhibits β-lactamase by binding to its active site, thereby enhancing the efficacy of amoxicillin against β-lactamase producing bacteria. Despite the appearance of bacterial resistance such as increased production or mutation of β-lactamase, amoxicillin/clavulanate remains a key strategy in overcoming resistance.
Patients should complete the full course of antibiotics even if they feel better, to prevent further development of resistance and assure the infection is fully eradicated. Not completing the prescribed course could lead to a more severe or recurrent infection.