Antimicrobial Agents Course

Lesson 1 • History and Development of Antibiotics

Traces discovery milestones from natural products to synthetic agents. Contextualises current resistance challenges within historical patterns.

Lesson 2 • Basic Pharmacology Terminology

Defines pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic terms essential for dosing discussions. Ensures shared language for all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 3 • Microbial Targets and Host Interactions

Covers bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic cell structures as drug targets. Provides biological rationale for selective toxicity principles.

Lesson 1 • Membrane and Metabolic Pathway Inhibitors

Examines polymyxin membrane disruption and sulfonamide folate pathway blockade. Highlights unique mechanisms with limited cross-resistance.

Lesson 2 • Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors

Details beta-lactam and glycopeptide interference with peptidoglycan assembly. Links mechanism to spectrum and clinical indications.

Lesson 3 • Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors

Covers fluoroquinolone, rifamycin, and nitroimidazole mechanisms targeting DNA and RNA. Connects mechanism to spectrum and toxicity profiles.

Lesson 4 • Antifungal and Antiviral Mechanisms

Contrasts ergosterol-targeting antifungals with virus-specific enzyme inhibitors. Reinforces selective toxicity across non-bacterial pathogens.

Lesson 1 • Biofilm and Tolerance Mechanisms

Distinguishes biofilm-associated tolerance from genetic resistance. Explains why biofilm infections require different therapeutic strategies.

Lesson 2 • Target Modification and Bypass

Explains PBP2a, ribosomal methylation, and altered target pathways. Demonstrates how organisms evade drug binding without destroying the drug.

Lesson 3 • Efflux Pumps and Permeability Changes

Describes multidrug efflux pump families and porin loss in gram-negative organisms. Connects these mechanisms to multidrug-resistant phenotypes.

Lesson 4 • Enzymatic Drug Inactivation

Covers beta-lactamase classes, aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes, and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. Links enzyme type to clinical resistance phenotype.

Lesson 1 • Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Identifies agents requiring TDM and explains sampling timing and interpretation. Reduces toxicity and treatment failure through individualised dosing.

Lesson 2 • Drug Metabolism and Elimination

Covers hepatic metabolism pathways and renal clearance for antimicrobials. Establishes dose adjustment principles for organ impairment.

Lesson 3 • Drug Absorption and Distribution

Quantifies bioavailability, protein binding, and tissue penetration for key agents. Explains why route of administration affects therapeutic outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Special Population Dosing Considerations

Addresses PK alterations in paediatric, geriatric, obese, and critically ill patients. Prevents under- and overdosing in vulnerable populations.

Lesson 1 • Interpreting Reports and Clinical Correlation

Teaches differentiation of infection from colonisation and contaminant recognition. Integrates lab data with clinical signs for therapy decisions.

Lesson 2 • Molecular and Rapid Diagnostic Tests

Covers PCR panels, whole-genome sequencing, and rapid antigen tests for pathogens. Demonstrates how molecular results accelerate de-escalation decisions.

Lesson 3 • Culture and Identification Methods

Describes conventional culture, MALDI-TOF, and rapid identification platforms. Connects identification speed to time-to-targeted therapy.

Lesson 4 • Specimen Collection and Processing

Establishes correct collection techniques to ensure diagnostic accuracy. Poor specimen quality is identified as a leading cause of misleading results.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Empiric Therapy

Defines empiric therapy and its role before culture results are available. Balances broad coverage against resistance selection pressure.

Lesson 2 • Prophylactic Antimicrobial Use

Distinguishes surgical, medical, and post-exposure prophylaxis indications. Applies evidence-based timing and agent selection for each context.

Lesson 3 • Combination Therapy Rationale

Evaluates synergy, broadened coverage, and resistance prevention as combination therapy goals. Identifies infections where combination is evidence-supported.

Lesson 4 • Duration of Therapy Principles

Presents evidence for shorter courses across common infection syndromes. Challenges historical long-duration practices with current clinical trial data.

Lesson 1 • Prospective Audit and Feedback

Describes the most evidence-supported stewardship intervention in detail. Trains practitioners to conduct reviews and deliver actionable recommendations.

Lesson 2 • Stewardship Metrics and Outcome Measurement

Defines process and outcome metrics including DDD, DOT, and clinical endpoints. Enables data-driven program evaluation and reporting.

Lesson 3 • Education and Behaviour Change Strategies

Applies adult learning and behavioural science to prescriber education. Moves beyond passive education toward sustained practice change.

Lesson 4 • Stewardship Programme Structure and Goals

Defines core stewardship programme components and multidisciplinary team roles. Establishes the link between programme structure and measurable outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Novel and Pipeline Antimicrobial Agents

Surveys recently approved agents and late-stage pipeline candidates for resistant pathogens. Prepares students to evaluate new agents as they enter clinical practice.

Lesson 2 • MRSA and Resistant Gram-Positive Infections

Covers treatment options for MRSA, VRE, and linezolid-resistant enterococci. Applies PK/PD and clinical evidence to agent selection.

Lesson 3 • Difficult-to-Treat Fungal Infections

Covers azole-resistant Candida and Aspergillus management with current antifungal options. Integrates TDM and susceptibility testing into treatment decisions.

Lesson 4 • Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections

Addresses CRE, CRAB, and CRPA with current and emerging treatment options. Emphasises mechanism-based agent selection for carbapenemase-producing organisms.