TRUE statement regarding vancomycin is:
**Core Concept**
Vancomycin is a glycylcycline antibiotic that acts by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria. It binds to the D-alanyl-D-alanine moiety of the bacterial cell wall precursor, preventing the incorporation of D-alanyl-D-alanine into the cell wall.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Vancomycin is a time-dependent antibiotic, meaning its effectiveness is dependent on maintaining adequate serum concentrations for a sufficient duration to allow for bacterial killing. It is commonly used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Vancomycin's mechanism of action involves binding to the D-alanyl-D-alanine moiety of the bacterial cell wall precursor, preventing the incorporation of D-alanyl-D-alanine into the cell wall, which ultimately leads to cell lysis and death. This process is facilitated by the presence of the enzyme D-alanyl-D-alanine ligase.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because vancomycin does not act by inhibiting protein synthesis. Instead, it targets the cell wall synthesis pathway.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because vancomycin is not a bacteriostatic agent, meaning it does not inhibit bacterial growth or multiplication. Instead, it is bactericidal, causing the death of bacterial cells.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Vancomycin is a dose-dependent antibiotic, and maintaining adequate serum concentrations is crucial for its effectiveness. A trough level of 10-15 mg/L is generally recommended to ensure optimal efficacy.
**Correct Answer: C. Vancomycin is a time-dependent antibiotic.**