Why are sulfonamides bacteriostatic against many bacteria but relatively non-toxic to mammalian cells?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Mammalian cells use preformed folic acid from the diet
Bacteria must synthesize folic acid de novo, so blocking the pathway starves them of the folate they need. Mammalian cells take up preformed folic acid from the diet and therefore do not depend on that synthetic pathway, which is why sulfonamides inhibit bacterial growth without harming the host.
Keep practicing
More Sulfonamides questions
- Which enzyme is targeted by Trimethoprim, the agent frequently combined with Sulfamethoxazole?
- A patient with a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is at risk for which complication when taking sulfonamides?
- Which sulfonamide is specifically used topically to prevent infections in patients with extensive second- and third-degree burns?
- What is the primary mechanism of resistance developed by bacteria against sulfonamides?
- Sulfonamides can cause the formation of crystals in the urine (crystalluria). Which patient instruction is essential to minimize this risk?
- Which of the following is a severe, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction associated with sulfonamides involving skin and mucous memb…