Which bacteria does Gentamicin effectively target?

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is particularly effective against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being one of the key targets. This bacterium is known for its resistance to many antibiotics, making Gentamicin's effectiveness crucial in clinical settings, especially for serious infections.

Gentamicin works by binding to the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis, which ultimately leads to bacterial cell death. Its broad spectrum includes action against certain strains of Gram-positive bacteria, but its primary advantages and clinical use shine through when treating infections caused by aerobic Gram-negative organisms, especially Pseudomonas, which frequently infects immunocompromised patients or those with chronic issues.

Other bacteria listed, such as Streptococci and Enterococci, are generally less susceptible to Gentamicin, as they typically require different classes of antibiotics for effective treatment. Clostridium, being anaerobic, does not fall under Gentamicin’s effective coverage, making the identification of Pseudomonas as the primary target a key aspect of understanding the clinical application of Gentamicin in treating infections.