The mechanisms of action for beta-lactam antibiotics and inhibitors of bacterial protein synthesis.

The replication of bacteria, when unchecked, may lead to morbidity or mortality in a susceptible host. The majority of antimicrobial agents either modify or inhibit the synthesis of key substances and are reflected by morphologic, if not lethal, changes. Activity occurs during synthesis of the bacterial cell wall and synthesis of bacterial protein. These two events are described in terms of the local mechanism of action of different classes of antibiotics. The role of antibacterial agents in the replication of bacteria should be clearly understood before antibiotic therapy is administered.