Cephalosporin C is an antibiotic of the cephalosporin class. It was isolated from a fungus of the genus ''

Acremonium ''Acremonium'' is a genus of fungi in the family Hypocreaceae. It used to be known as ''Cephalosporium''. Description ''Acremonium'' species are usually slow-growing and are initially compact and moist. Their hyphae are fine and hyaline, and pro ...

'' and first characterized in 1961. Although not a very active antibiotic itself, synthetic analogs of cephalosporin C, such as

cefalotin Cefalotin (INN) or cephalothin (USAN) is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic. It was the first cephalosporin marketed (1964) and continues to be widely used. It is an intravenously administered agent with a similar antimicrobial spec ...

, became some of the first marketed cephalosporin antibiotic drugs. Cephalosporin C strongly absorbs ultraviolet light, is stable to acid, is non-toxic and has ''in vivo'' activity in mice. Cephalosporin C, which has a similar structure to penicillin N, was never commercialized. Cephalosporin C was a

lead compound A lead compound (, i.e. a "leading" compound, not to be confused with various compounds of the metallic element lead) in drug discovery is a chemical compound that has pharmacology, pharmacological or biological activity likely to be therapeutical ...

for the discovery and production of many other cephalosporins. Cephalosporins are drugs used for some people who are allergic to penicillin.

Uses

Cephalosporins are used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections. When a cephalosporin or any other antibiotic is given as a treatment, the medication should be taken for the fully prescribed time even if symptoms disappear.

Mechanism of action

Cephalosporin C

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by inhibiting

penicillin binding proteins Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) are a group of proteins that are characterized by their affinity for and binding of penicillin. They are a normal constituent of many bacteria; the name just reflects the way by which the protein was discov ...

Side effects

These are allergic reactions to the drug and require medical attention: * itching * swelling * dizziness * rash * trouble breathing * vomiting * severe stomach cramps * bloody diarrhea * fever * weakness * fast heartbeat

Chemistry

Cephalosporin C has weak activity to the staphylococci infection, which was 0.1% activity. This decrease in activity was due to the replacement of the D-α-aminoadipic acid side chain with phenylacetic acid.

Biochemistry

Cephalosporin C is the product of the biosynthesis pathway of third generation cephalosporins. This is done by exchanging the acetyl CoA into DAC. To achieve cephalosporin C as the end product, there are 6 genes reported to be in control of the pathway.

References

{{reflist Cephalosporin antibiotics