Antimicrobial Therapies and Resistance

3 Units

This course focuses on the biochemistry and molecular biology of antimicrobial compounds. This includes antibiotics, the drugs clinically used to treat diseases caused by bacteria, antifungals, antiparasitic agents, and antivirals. We will examine the history of antibiotic development; characteristics of chemicals used as antiseptics and disinfectants but unable to be used as therapies; and then survey synthetic and naturally-occurring antibiotic, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic compounds. The biochemical mechanisms of action of different classes of each type of drug and mechanisms of resistance that have evolved over time will also be discussed. Potential alternative therapies (e.g., phage therapy, antibodies, oligonucleotides) and preventatives (e.g., vaccines) will also be covered. Offered as BIOC 311 and BIOC 411 . Prereq: Graduate student standing.