Many of the antibiotic and antiviral medications of today use the principles of genetics

Many of the antibiotic and antiviral medications of today use the principles of genetics to target bacteria and viruses. By targeting DNA replication, transcription, translation and/or the enzymes and proteins associated with these functions, the medications can selectively target the pathogen without harming the host. In this discussion post you will research and describe a medication that targets a component of genetics in its MOA (mechanism of action). MOA Definition: In medicine, a term used to describe how a drug or other substance produces an effect in the body. For example, a drug's mechanism of action could be how it affects a specific target in a cell, such as an enzyme, or a cell function, such as cell growth. Knowing the mechanism of action of a drug may help provide information about the safety of the drug and how it affects the body. It may also help identify the right dose of a drug and which patients are most likely to respond to treatment. Also called MOA. (definition from The National Cancer Institute) Use reliable resources to research and learn about an antibiotic or antiviral whose mechanism of action inhibits/effects at least one of the following: DNA replication DNA transcription DNA/RNA translation Viral replication processes Mutation of microbial/viral DNA or RNA The following questions should be answered when discussing your drug and may be listed by question. Full name of the drug and its manufacturer. The mechanism of action (MOA) of the drug. This should be a detailed answer with explanation of what the drug does to inhibit bacteria or viral pathogens. Include the following information in this explanation of the drugs MOA. What enzyme/protein or pathway does it affect. What is the drugs effect and how does that inhibit the pathogen growth or result in direct death What disease or condition is the drug used for? Are there multiple uses for the drug and what are they? If the drug is an antibiotic, is it narrow spectrum or broad spectrum? If it is an antiviral, does it affect host cell genetic machinery?

Sample Solution

Drug: Acyclovir

Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Mechanism of action: Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that inhibits the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It does this by binding to the viral DNA polymerase, an enzyme that is essential for viral replication. Acyclovir is then converted to its active form, acyclovir triphosphate, which blocks the DNA polymerase from adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand. This prevents the virus from replicating and eventually leads to its death.

Full Answer Section

Enzyme/protein or pathway affected: Acyclovir inhibits the viral DNA polymerase.

Effect of the drug: Acyclovir blocks the DNA polymerase from adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand, which prevents the virus from replicating.

Disease or condition the drug is used for: Acyclovir is used to treat herpes simplex virus infections, including genital herpes, cold sores, and chickenpox. It is also used to prevent herpes simplex virus infections in people who are at high risk of infection, such as people with HIV/AIDS.

Multiple uses for the drug: Acyclovir has also been used to treat other viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. However, it is not as effective for these infections as it is for herpes simplex virus infections.

Here are some other antibiotics and antivirals that target a component of genetics in their MOA:

Antibiotics:

Rifampin: Rifampin inhibits the bacterial RNA polymerase, an enzyme that is essential for bacterial transcription.
Ciprofloxacin: Ciprofloxacin inhibits the bacterial DNA gyrase, an enzyme that is essential for bacterial DNA replication.
Tetracycline: Tetracycline inhibits the bacterial ribosome, an organelle that is essential for protein synthesis.

Antivirals:

Zidovudine: Zidovudine inhibits the reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that is essential for HIV replication.
Lamivudine: Lamivudine is similar to zidovudine and also inhibits the reverse transcriptase.
Valganciclovir: Valganciclovir is a prodrug of ganciclovir, which is an antiviral drug that inhibits the viral DNA polymerase.

These are just a few examples of antibiotics and antivirals that target a component of genetics in their MOA. There are many other drugs that work in this way, and new drugs are being developed all the time.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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