Question

The antibiotics are sensitive to \(\beta\)-lactamase enzyme
(A). Penicillin
(B). Ampicillin
(C). Amoxicillin
(D). Erythromycin
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

To bypass \(\beta\)-lactamase resistance, clinical formulations combine susceptible antibiotics with \(\beta\)-lactamase inhibitors:
- Augmentin: Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
\(\beta\)-lactamase is an enzyme produced by certain resistant bacteria that cleaves the \(\beta\)-lactam ring of susceptible antibiotics, rendering them inactive.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Antibiotics containing a four-membered \(\beta\)-lactam ring in their molecular structure are called \(\beta\)-lactam antibiotics. This class includes penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams.
2. Penicillin (A), Ampicillin (B), and Amoxicillin (C): Are all members of the penicillin family and contain the \(\beta\)-lactam ring, making them susceptible to cleavage by \(\beta\)-lactamase enzymes.
3. Erythromycin (D): Is a macrolide antibiotic with a large macrocyclic lactone ring. It does not contain a \(\beta\)-lactam ring and is not affected by \(\beta\)-lactamase enzymes.
4. Therefore, only (A), (B), and (C) are sensitive to \(\beta\)-lactamase.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The \(\beta\)-lactamase-sensitive antibiotics are (A), (B), and (C) only.