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Erythromycin |
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erythromycin (ĭrĭth'rōmī`sĭn), any of several related antibiotic drugs produced by bacteria of the genus Streptomyces (see antibiotic antibiotic, any of a variety of substances, usually obtained from microorganisms, that inhibit the growth of or destroy certain other microorganisms.
Types of Antibiotics
..... Click the link for more information. ). Erythromycin is most effective against gram-positive bacteria such as pneumococci, streptococci, and some staphylococci (see Gram's stain Gram's stain, laboratory staining technique that distinguishes between two groups of bacteria by the identification of differences in the structure of their cell walls. ..... Click the link for more information. ). The antibiotic also has some effect on gram-negative bacteria and some fungi. Erythromycin inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible microorganisms. It is used to treat such diseases as pneumonia caused by fungi, and streptococcus and syphilis infections, especially where the patient is allergic to penicillin. erythromycin [ə‚rith·rə′mīs·ən] (microbiology) A crystalline antibiotic produced byStreptomyces erythreusand used in the treatment of gram-positive bacterial infections. Erythromycin a macrolide antibiotic, the chief producer of which is the soil-inhabiting organism Streptomyces erythreus. Erythromycin is active against most grampositive bacteria (such as staphylococci, streptococci, and pneumococci), certain gram-negative bacteria (such as brucellae), rickettsiae, and large viruses. It fights staphylococci that are resistant to penicillin, antibiotics of the tetracycline group, and streptomycin. Erythromycin is used for treating pneumonia and other infectious diseases. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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