What is the Difference Between Beta Lactam and Cephalosporin?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Beta-lactam antibiotics are a broad-spectrum class of antibiotics that contain a beta-lactam ring within their structures, such as penicillin derivatives, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems. They inhibit the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls, thereby destroying bacterial pathogens. Beta-lactam antibiotics are widely used in the management and treatment of bacterial infections.
Cephalosporins, on the other hand, are a group of beta-lactam antibiotics derived from the fungus Acremonium. They are divided into generations based on their spectrum of antimicrobial activity, with first-generation cephalosporins being active predominantly against Gram-positive bacteria and successive generations having increased activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Cephalosporins are indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of infections caused by bacteria.
In summary, the main differences between beta-lactam and cephalosporin are:
- Beta-lactam antibiotics are a broader class of antibiotics, while cephalosporins are a specific group within that class.
- Beta-lactam antibiotics have a beta-lactam ring structure, which is a core structure in various antibiotic families, including cephalosporins.
- Cephalosporins are derived from the fungus Acremonium and are divided into generations based on their spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
Comparative Table: Beta Lactam vs Cephalosporin
Beta-lactam and cephalosporin are two groups of antibiotics that possess a core-membered beta-lactam ring. The difference between them lies in their chemical structure and antimicrobial activity. Here is a comparison between the two:
Beta-lactam | Cephalosporin |
---|---|
Broad-spectrum antibiotics containing a nitrogen molecule attached to the beta carbon | A group of antibiotics that are part of the beta-lactam class, including penicillins and cephamycins |
Inhibit the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls, thereby destroying bacterial pathogens | Bind to and block the activity of enzymes responsible for making peptidoglycan, a component of bacterial cell walls |
Examples include penicillin and its derivatives | Examples include cefazolin, cephalexin, and cefotaxime |
Cephalosporins are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes due to their wide clinical use. They are divided into generations based on their spectrum of antimicrobial activity, with first-generation cephalosporins like cefazolin and cephalexin known for their coverage of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
- Penicillin vs Cephalosporin
- Beta Lactam vs Non Beta Lactam
- Penicillinase vs Beta Lactamase
- Cyclosporine vs Cephalosporin
- Lactam vs Lactim
- Amoxicillin vs Penicillin
- Crystalline Penicillin vs Benzylpenicillin
- Antibiotics vs Antibacterial
- Lecithin vs Cephalin
- Bacteriocin vs Antibiotic
- Cloxacillin vs Flucloxacillin
- Penicillin G vs Penicillin V
- Lactobacillus vs Bifidobacterium
- Macrolides vs Tetracyclines
- Klebsiella pneumoniae vs Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Ciprofloxacin vs Amoxicillin
- Cipladine vs Betadine
- Antibiotic vs Antiseptic
- Vaccines vs Antibiotics