GROUP 7

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO
PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY

o was defined as a naturally

occurring substance that was
produced
by
one
microorganism that killed
other microorganisms.
o was a natural product, a
microbial metabolite

Microorganisms and medicines

Development of vaccines
o Resulted to large investment
in
research
by
major
international pharmaceutical
companies
o Led
to
manufacture
of
pharmaceuticals
becoming
one of the most successful
and important industries
o Worldwide sales of medicines
and medical devices
A modern medicine must be
effective, safe and of good quality.
Most medicines consist of an
active ingredient that is formulated
with a variety of materials.
Pharmacologist and toxicologist
efficacy and safety aspects of the
active ingredient
Analytical
chemists
and
pharmacists ensure that the
components of the medicine are
present in correct physical form
and concentration
Microorganism also have the
potential to influence efficacy and
safety
o They cause product spoilage
by chemically decomposing
the active ingredient or the
excipients
Pharmaceutical microbiology must
encompass
the
subjects
of
sterilization
and
preservation
against microbial spoilage.
o Pharmacist must know the
sources
of
microbial
contamination
and
the
factors to prevent microbial
spoilage
Antibiotics
are
of
major
importance.

o encompass certain synthetic

agents to treat infection
Commercial
production
of
antibiotics
began
with
the
manufacture of penicillin in the
1940s
Understanding the physiology and
genetics of microorganisms will
become important not just in the
production of new therapeutic
agents
but
also
in
the
understanding of infections and
other diseases
A knowledge of the mechanisms
whereby microorganisms are able
to resist antibiotics, colonize
medical
devices
and
cause
humans to other disease states is
essential in the development of
other medicines and healthcare
practices.