Streomycin

Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that was first isolated from the soil microorganism Streptomyces griseus in 1943. It was the first antibiotic effective against tuberculosis. Streptomycin works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. It binds to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, interfering with the accurate reading of mRNA and leading to the production of non-functional proteins. This disruption ultimately results in bacterial cell death.

Clinically, streptomycin is primarily used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly tuberculosis. It is often used in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs to prevent the development of drug resistance. It is also used for the treatment of plague, tularemia, brucellosis, and certain types of endocarditis. Due to its potential for toxicity, streptomycin is typically administered by injection, either intramuscularly or intravenously.

The major side effects associated with streptomycin include ototoxicity, which can lead to hearing loss and balance problems, and nephrotoxicity, affecting kidney function. These side effects are dose-dependent and can be irreversible. Therefore, careful monitoring of drug levels and patient symptoms is crucial during treatment. Resistance to streptomycin can develop, especially with monotherapy, highlighting the importance of combination therapy in many treatment regimens. Despite the emergence of newer antibiotics, streptomycin remains a valuable therapeutic agent for specific bacterial infections.

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