Ciprofloxacin targets bacterial DNA replication. It achieves this by inhibiting two key enzymes: DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.
DNA gyrase is vital for unwinding the supercoiled DNA, allowing replication to begin. Ciprofloxacin’s binding prevents this unwinding, effectively halting DNA replication.
Similarly, Topoisomerase IV is crucial for separating replicated DNA strands during cell division. Ciprofloxacin’s action here also stops bacterial cell division, leading to bacterial death.
Important Note: Ciprofloxacin’s effectiveness against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) varies. Its use in treating GBS infections should always be guided by a physician’s assessment of antibiotic susceptibility testing results and clinical context. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
