APF25 says Mixture CF, APF26 says Mixture
Microbiology and Immunology explanation - Trimethoprim is a bactericidal agent that inhibits bacterial dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of folate. Folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. - Bacteria can develop resistance to trimethoprim through various mechanisms, including: - Mutations in the target enzyme (dihydrofolate reductase) that reduce the drug's binding affinity. - Increased production of the target enzyme, leading to reduced drug efficacy. - Active efflux pumps that expel the drug from bacterial cells. - Bacteria can also acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through horizontal gene transfer, which can lead to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. - The use of suboptimal doses can contribute to the development of resistance by allowing bacteria to survive and adapt, leading to the selection of resistant strains. This is particularly concerning in the context of multidrug-resistant bacteria, where treatment options become limited and less effective. - Therefore, it is important to use appropriate doses of antibiotics to minimise the risk of resistance development and ensure effective treatment.