Streptomycin (also named Gerox or Agrimycin) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic for the treatment of bacteria infections by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial proteins. Streptomycin reversibly binds to 16S rRNA and the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit so that the initiation complex with mRNA couldn't be formed. Binding of streptomycin on 16S rRNA's four nocleotides will lead to misreading of mRNA which result in insertion of incorrect amino acids into polypeptide. Nonfunctional or toxic peptides will lead to nonfunctional monosomes. Aminoglycosides are useful primarily in infections involving aerobic, Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter. In addition, some mycobacteria, including the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, are susceptible to aminoglycosides. Infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria can also be treated with aminoglycosides, but other types of antibiotics are more potent and less damaging to the host. In the past the aminoglycosides have been used in conjunction with penicillin-related antibiotics in streptococcal infections for their synergistic effects, particularly in endocarditis. Aminoglycosides are mostly ineffective against anaerobic bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Streptomycin Pathway References