]> 2026-07-31T09:39:47+00:00 WBR0251 0 en Blocks transpeptidase cross-linking Oral penicillin is the first line agent to treat uncomplicated cases of pelvic actinomycosis. Penicillin blocks transpeptidase cross-linking of peptidoglycan. Binds D-ala D-ala to inhibit cell wall peptidoglycan formation Vancomycin binds D-ala D-ala to inhibit cell wall peptidoglycan formation. Inhibits formation of the initiation complex Aminoglycosides inhibit the formation of the initiation complex and cause mRNA misreading. Binds to 30S and prevents attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA Tetracyclines bind to 30S and prevents attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA. Tetracyclines, along with clindamycin and erythromycin, may be administered to treat actinomycosis, but they are reserved for patients with penicillin allergy. However, the patient in this vignette may be prescribed penicillin since she denies known drug allergies. Binds to 23S of the 50S ribosomal subunit and block translocation Macrolides bind to 23S of the 50S ribosomal subunit and block translocation. Erythromycin, along with clindamycin and tetracyclines, may be administered to treat actinomycosis, but they are reserved for patients with penicillin allergy. However, the patient in this vignette may be prescribed penicillin since she denies known drug allergies. Microbiology A 34-year-old woman presents to the physician’s office with complaints of fever and abdominal pain. The patient states that she is currently in day-10 of her menstrual period, but she noted vaginal spotting earlier this morning. She is sexually active and applies an intrauterine device for contraception. She denies smoking, alcohol intake, and any known drug allergies. Her temperature is 38.7 °C (101.7 °F), blood pressure is 128/86 mmHg, and heart rate is 98/min. Physical examination is remarkable for suprapubic tenderness upon light palpation. Pelvic exam shows local vaginal swelling with suppurative discharge. Immunofluorescence with direct smears reveals a non-acid-fast, gram-positive rods with branching filaments. The physician prescribes an oral pharmacological agent to treat the patient's condition. What is the mechanism of action of the prescribed pharmacological agent? A Infectious Disease 2020-10-27T23:55:03Z 2459150.4965625 WBR0251