infectious disease

What is neomycin-polymyxin-hydrocortisone-otic suspension (Cortisporin, Otimar, Pediotic)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Neomycin sulfate/polymyxin B sulfate/ hydrocortisone acetate is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ear drop. Neomycin and polymyxin are antibiotics that are active against gram positive and gram negative bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella-Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, and Pseudomonas …

What is the hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine? What is it for? Hepatitis A/B vaccine is a man-made combination vaccine containing inactivated hepatitis A virus strain and non-infectious hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Inactive Hepatitis A virus combined with hepatitis B antigens stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against hepatitis A and B virus infections. The FDA approved hepatitis A/B …

What is pyrimethamine? What is its mechanism of action? Pyrimethamine prevents parasites from producing important proteins by blocking the use of folic acid which is necessary for the production of proteins. Preventing parasites from producing important proteins prevents growth and development of new parasites. The FDA approved pyrimethamine in January 1953. What brand names are available for pyrimethamine? The brand …

Meningococcemia facts This photo depicts purple necrotic lesions on the legs of a person who has meningococcemia. Meningococcemia is a bloodstream infection cause by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus. N. meningitidis is a contagious bacterium that spreads from person to person via respiratory secretions. Initially, patients present with fever and general body aches. A rash is often present. …

Metronidazole vs. ketoconazole: What’s the difference? Metronidazole and ketoconazole are used to treat different kinds of infections. Metronidazole is used to treat parasitic infections including Giardia infections of the small intestine, amebic liver abscess, amebic dysentery, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginal infections, and carriers of trichomonas who do not have symptoms of infection; to treat abscesses in the liver, pelvis, abdomen, and …

Ofloxacin vs. ciprofloxacin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and prostate infections caused by E. coli. A brand name for ofloxacin is Ocuflox. The Floxin brand of ofloxacin has been discontinued. A brand name for ciprofloxacin is Cipro. Side …

Ofloxacin vs. erythromycin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and erythromycin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, and STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia). Erythromycin is also used in patients who are allergic to penicillin for the prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever and infections of the hearts' valves (endocarditis) in patients with valvular abnormalities of the heart before …

Ofloxacin vs. levofloxacin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and levofloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and prostate infections caused by E. coli. Levofloxacin is also used for treating bacterial infections of the sinuses, skin, ears, airways, bones, and joints; infectious diarrhea caused by E. coli, …

Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever (legionellosis) facts X-ray image of lungs of patient with Legionnaires’; disease Legionellosis is an infection that is caused by a bacterium. The bacterium thrives in droplets of water and moist conditions usually associated with water systems. The bacterium can infest an entire building. The illness takes two distinct forms: Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires' …

What is piperacillin/tazobactam sodium injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zosyn is an injectable combination of two antibiotics, piperacillin and tazobactam, with broad spectrum activity against an extended range of bacterial species. Piperacillin is an extended-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, but it can be destroyed by an enzyme produced by bacteria called beta lactamase. Tazobactam inhibits beta lactamase and …