What does Levofloxacin inhibit to exterminate bacteria?

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that primarily works by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which are essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair. DNA gyrase introduces negative supercoils into DNA, which is crucial for maintaining the superhelical structure that allows for efficient replication. Topoisomerase IV is important for the separation of replicated chromosome DNA during cell division. By targeting these enzymes, levofloxacin effectively prevents bacterial cells from replicating and repairing their DNA, leading to cell death.

This mechanism of action is fundamental to the bactericidal activity of levofloxacin, making it particularly effective against a variety of Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. Understanding this action is crucial for appreciating how fluoroquinolones are used in treating various infections, particularly those caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.