Conclusion
Tetracyclines are a class of antibiotics that have historically had a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, and consequentially a wide variety of clinical uses. However, because of the advent of resistance, their use has become increasingly limited. This resistance is most often mediated by a large family of efflux pumps, or ribosomal protection proteins. Nonetheless, they continue to be an important part of the antimicrobial armamentarium as they are an excellent treatment option for both common and esoteric infections.
We would like to thank Dr. Wilson Chan for his contribution to our newsletter.
Dr. Chan is a microbiologist with Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, Alberta; and a member of the Clinical Microbiology Proficiency Testing (CMPT) Microbiology Subcommittee.
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