Neurotoxicity induced by beta-lactam antibiotics : from bench to bedside

• Published in: European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases Vol. 24; no. 10; pp. 649 - 653
• Main Authors: CHOW, K. M, HUI, A. C, SZETO, C. C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin Springer 01-10-2005; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal models; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents - adverse effects; Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - toxicity; Antibacterial agents; Antibiotics; Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents; beta-Lactams - adverse effects; beta-Lactams - chemistry; beta-Lactams - toxicity; Biological and medical sciences; Central nervous system; Drug toxicity and drugs side effects treatment; Humans; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Nervous System Diseases - chemically induced; Nervous System Diseases - physiopathology; Neurotoxicity; Pathogenesis; Penicillin; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Proteins; Toxicity: nervous system and muscle; Infection; Antibiotic; Neurotoxicity; Microbiology; β-Lactams; Nervous system; Antibacterial agent
• ISSN: 0934-9723; 1435-4373
• DOI: 10.1007/s10096-005-0021-y

Central nervous system toxicity following administration of beta-lactam antibiotics, of which penicillin is the prototype, is a potential cause of morbidity and mortality. In recent years, important advances have been made in the pathogenesis of antibiotic-related neurotoxicity. This review focuses on the experimental and clinical aspects of neurotoxicity caused by beta-lactam antibiotics. The purpose is to provide an update on the pathogenesis, mechanism, and clinical manifestations of the neurotoxicity, along with an overview of the relationship between antibiotic structure and convulsive action. In particular, some of the prevailing ideas about pathogenesis are highlighted, including theories of the mechanism of pathogenicity. A better understanding of antibiotic-related neurotoxicity, as derived from animal models and human clinical experience, would be of value in facilitating more efficient and safer use of antimicrobial compounds.