Introduction to viruses

High-yield summary Viral structure and classification  All viruses contain genetic material (DNA or RNA, never both) and a protein capsid.  Some viruses have an envelope derived from the host cell membrane.  Classification by genetic material: DNA viruses (e.g., Herpesviridae, Adenoviridae) and RNA viruses (e.g., Orthomyxoviridae, Retroviridae).  Baltimore Classification groups viruses based on their replication strategy […]

Service Learning

Service Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.1 Service Learning provides both academic and social connections. Research has shown it to be an important element in student success. Students who engage in Service Learning activities […]

Introduction to vaccines

High-yield summary Types of vaccines  Live Attenuated: Replicates, broad immune response, contraindicated in immunocompromised and pregnancy  Inactivated: No replication, safer for immunocompromised and pregnancy  Polysaccharide and Conjugate: Capsule-targeted, age-dependent response, T-cell independent/dependent  Protein Subunit: Toxoids, VLPs, recombinant proteins  Viral Vector: Recombinant expression in vivo, adenovirus/VSV  Nucleic Acid: mRNA/DNA vaccines, e.g., COVID-19 vaccines    Immunology and […]

Other therapies

Albendazole (Albenza) Class(es) Anthelmintic Clinical use(s) FDA approved: echinococcosis, neurocysticercosis. Off-label/clinical use: Ascariasis, capillaria, clonorchiasis, giardiasis, microsporidia (HIV), hymenolepis nana infection, loa loa, trichuriasis. Mechanism(s) of action Causes parasitic death by binding to colchicine-sensitive site of beta tubulin inhibiting their polymerization into microtubules. Key adverse effects Abdominal pain, headache, abnormal liver function tests, N/V, SJS. […]

Tuberculosis

This is the LP for this topic. Include Antituberculars on this page. This URL may need to change. Public Health may want to link to this page.

Other antibiotics

Clindamycin (Cleocin) Class(es) Lincosamide Clinical use(s) FDA approved: Bacterial disease (severe) Including susceptible infections due to anaerobic and aerobic gram positive organisms. Off-label/clinical use: Acne vulgaris (topical). Mechanism(s) of action Inhibits protein synthesis at the level of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Key adverse effects The most common reported AE is mild to moderate morbilliform-like skin […]

Cephalosporins

Cephalexin (Keflex) Class(es) 1st-generation cephalosporin Clinical use(s) FDA approved: Skin and soft tissue infection, osteomyelitis. Off-label/clinical use: Prophylaxis for bacterial endocarditis. Mechanism(s) of action Binds to penicillin binding proteins in cell wall membrane. Key adverse effects C. diff–associated diarrhea (CDAD), seizures (high doses especially in renal impairment) Key drug/food interactions Concurrent use of loop diuretics […]