ICD-10 Specific code A37: Whooping cough

Bacterial lysates are powerful inducers of a specific locoregional immune response that significantly enhance the concentration of antibodies directed to antigenic structures of bacteria most commonly observed during infections of the upper respiratory tract.

Erythromycin exerts its antimicrobial action by binding to the 50S ribosomal sub-unit of susceptible microorganisms and suppresses protein synthesis. Erythromycin is bacteriostatic and bactericidal depending on its concentration and the type of organism.

Ipratropium is a quaternary ammonium compound with anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) properties. Ipratropium appears to inhibit vagally mediated reflexes by antagonising the action of acetylcholine, the transmitter agent released from the vagus nerve. Anticholinergics prevent the increase in intracellular concentration of Ca++, which is caused by interaction of acetylcholine with the muscarinic receptor on bronchial smooth muscle. Ca++ release is mediated by the second messenger system consisting of IP3 (inositol triphosphate) and DAG (diacylglycerol).

Minocycline is a semi-synthetic derivative of tetracycline. Minocycline inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria. In common with other tetracyclines it is primarily bacteriostatic and has a similar spectrum of activity to other tetracyclines.

Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum, semisynthetic penicillin. Piperacillin exerts bactericidal activity by inhibition of both septum and cell-wall synthesis.

Sultamicillin is the tosylate salt of the double ester of sulbactam plus ampicillin. Sulbactam is a semisynthetic beta-lactamase inhibitor which, in combination with ampicillin, extends the antibacterial activity of the latter to include some beta-lactamase-producing strains of bacteria that would otherwise be resistant.

Ticarcillin disrupts bacterial cell wall development by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis and/or by interacting with penicillin-binding proteins.