Answer to Question #26814 in Microbiology for latheria

Question

The antibiotic amphotericin B causes leaks in cells by combining with sterols in the plasma membrane. Would you expect to use amphotericin B against a bacterial infection? A fungal infection? Offer a reason why amphotericin B has severe side effects in humans.

Answer 1

Bacteria and blue - green algae do not contain sterols in the plasma membrane. Therefore, amphotericin B is an antifungal drug, which is often used intravenously for systemic fungal infections. Mammalian cell membranes contain sterols in their composition, as well as fungal cell membranes. In this regard, it has been suggested that damage of human cells and fungal cells can be developed from the common mechanisms. Thus, amphotericin B causes side effects.