Vancomycin belongs to which antibiotic class?

Vancomycin belongs to which antibiotic class?

• A. Beta-lactam
• B. Aminoglycoside
• C. Glycopeptide
• D. Macrolide

Answer: (C)

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic. It works by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, which blocks the enzymes that cross-link the cell wall. This prevents cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria, leading to bacterial death. This mechanism is different from beta-lactams (which target PBPs and cell wall cross-linking) and from aminoglycosides (which inhibit the 30S ribosomal subunit) or macrolides (which inhibit the 50S ribosome). Glycopeptides are mainly active against Gram-positive organisms and are key for serious infections such as MRSA and, when given orally, C. difficile colitis.

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic. It works by binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, which blocks the enzymes that cross-link the cell wall. This prevents cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria, leading to bacterial death. This mechanism is different from beta-lactams (which target PBPs and cell wall cross-linking) and from aminoglycosides (which inhibit the 30S ribosomal subunit) or macrolides (which inhibit the 50S ribosome). Glycopeptides are mainly active against Gram-positive organisms and are key for serious infections such as MRSA and, when given orally, C. difficile colitis.