A client with cancer has been receiving amphotericin B intravenously. The client asks, "How will this help with my fungal disease?" The health care provider responds:
A) "This medication inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol."
B) "This drug binds to ergosterol and forms holes in the cell membrane, killing the fungus."
C) "This medication will keep the body from growing any new fungi."
D) "This drug impairs the synthesis of enzymes needed for viral replication."
Ans: B
Feedback:
The polyene family of antifungal compounds (e.g., amphotericin B, nystatin) preferentially binds to ergosterol and forms holes in the cell membrane, causing leakage of the fungal cell contents and, eventually, lysis of the cell. The imidazole class of drugs (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole) inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, thereby damaging the integrity of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane. Zidovudine as well as nonnucleoside inhibitors impair the synthesis of the HIV-specific enzyme reverse transcriptase. This key enzyme is essential for viral replication.
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