Aminoglycosides: Mechanisms of Action and Resistance

Abstract

Aminoglycosides are amongst the most important compounds used to treat serious nosocomial infections caused by aerobic, Gram-negative bacteria (1, 2). They are pseudo-polysaccharides containing amino sugars and can therefore be considered polycationic species for the purpose of understanding their biological interactions. Since they are highly positively charged at physiological pH values, they show high binding affi nity for nucleic acids, especially for certain portions of the prokaryotic ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Different classes of aminoglycosides bind to different sites on rRNA, as will be discussed.