Question

some people are able to take cephalosporins without suffering any adverse effects but should be aware of the possibility of reaction, however remote. allergic response to an antibiotic occurs because the drug acts as an antigen, a foreign agent that stimulates the immune response. people who are allergic to antibiotics usually become sensitized during the first contact, usually without suffering any noticeable symptoms. once the body has become sensitized, subsequent exposure to the drug leads to an allergic response. each subsequent exposure will result in more severe symptoms.
concept check #1

1. ceclor is an antibiotic that targets

o protein synthesis
o cell wall synthesis
o dna synthesis
o folic acid synthesis

1. cephalosporin antibiotics are derived from the natural products of

o dna viruses
o fungi
o gram - positive cocci
o gram - variable bacilli

1. true or false: the symptoms of ceclor allergy are due to the immediate quick destruction of a toxic infectious agent.

1. this child has likely been on ceclor

o every time she has experienced an infection
o only this once
o at least one time before this infection
o two times

Explanation:

1. Ceclor (cefaclor) is a cephalosporin antibiotic. Cephalosporins work by inhibiting cell - wall synthesis in bacteria.
2. Cephalosporin antibiotics are derived from the natural products of fungi (specifically from the mold Cephalosporium acremonium).
3. The symptoms of Ceclor allergy are due to an immune response (the drug acts as an antigen), not due to the destruction of a toxic infectious agent.
4. Since allergic responses to antibiotics usually become more severe with subsequent exposures (as the body becomes sensitized), if a child has an allergic reaction, it is likely that they have been exposed at least one time before (to become sensitized).

Answer:

1. cell wall synthesis
2. fungi
3. False
4. at least one time before this infection