Quinolones: a class of antimicrobial agents

Abstract

The fluoroquinolones are a series of synthetic antibacterial agents that are used in the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. These agents inhibit the DNA gyrase, abolishing its activity by interfering with the DNA-rejoining reaction. The inhibition of the resealing leads to the liberation of fragments that are subsequently destroyed by the bacterial exonucleases. All fluoroquinolones accumulate within bacteria very rapidly, so that a steady-state intrabacterial concentration is obtained within a few minutes. Resistance develops slowly and is usually chromosomal and not plasmid mediated. However, development of resistance and transfer between animal and human pathogens has become a fervently argued issue among the microbiologists. Another concern regarding the use of new quinolones in the veterinary field is a possible detrimental effect on the environment. It still seems unlikely that the controlled use of veterinary quinolones will give rise to unfavorable effects on the environment.