In this article an infectious diseases pharmacist discusses 5 neat things from the world of antimicrobials – let’s get nerdy!

Authored By: Timothy P. Gauthier, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCIDP

Article Posted October 2024, First Released in the September 2024 IDstewardship Newsletter

1. Echinocandins are associated with a paradoxical effect

Giving more drug leads to less fungal killing? This ‘paradox effect of echinocandins’ is characterized by the ability of certain fungal isolates to reconstitute growth in the presence of higher echinocandin concentrations, while being fully susceptible at lower concentrations. Read more about it here .

2. You can thank dogs for daptomycin

The study of daptomycin in dogs led to its eventual use in humans. In the spring of 1998, Dr. Tally and Dr. Oleson designed a series of canine studies to investigate the key determinant in the daptomycin-associated adverse effects involving the musculoskeletal system. Dogs were selected because the canine model correlated most closely with humans in terms of the adverse effects involving the musculoskeletal system and monitoring through serum CPK levels. Read more about it in a fantastic quick read here .

3. Penicillin can be used as an antidote for ‘death cap’ poisoning

Penicillin has been used as an antidote for amanita phalloides (aka death cap) poisoning, a type of mushroom intoxication. Read a little about it here . This is an example of a non-infectious use of an antibiotics.

4. New Jersey has a state microbe

Streptomyces griseus gave the world streptomycin. It was the first antibiotic discovered with activity versus Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the first antibiotic discovered in North America, amongst other things. It is the official state microbe of New Jersey, where it was originally discovered in a heavily manured field. Do you have a state microbe? Here is a fun list for you.

5. Clofazamine can give you a nice tan

Clofazamine is sometimes used to treat infections caused by mycobacterium species. It turns out that one of the potential toxicities is reversible skin pigmentation, which can present in the first weeks of treatment. Cases have occurred where people do not want to stop taking clofazamine because they like how it makes their skin look, but not everyone is happy about this side effect. Read more here .

Disclaimer: The views and opinions presented in this article represent those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of any previous, current, or potential future employer.

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