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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijcd.2395.6631.3217.4

Abstract

Immunomodulation is the process of modulating the induction, expression, amplification, or inhibition of the immune system in a positive or negative manner. Both immunosuppressants and immunostimulators act by either suppressing or stimulating the immune system against a pathogen or tumour. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (AMCA) is a wellknown antimicrobial agent which has a broad spectrum of activity. Although it was originally developed to reduce bacterial resistance through its antimicrobial activity, this combination also possesses immunomodulatory action. The immunomodulatory effect of AMCA has further broadened the activity of amoxicillin against lactamaseproducing strains such as S. aureus, E coli, H. influenza, and K. pneumonia, and the anaerobic Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis). This combination inhibits lactam inhibitor and protects amoxicillin from being degraded by a lactamase enzyme. The immunomodulatory effect of AMCA is elicited through various mechanisms such as interaction with the host system, phagocytosis, interaction with host defense cells, and transmigration of PMNs at the inflammatory site. The present review article focusses on immunomodulatory effect of AMCA in bacterial infections. The review further discusses the effect of AMCA in respiratory tract infections (both upper and lower), otitis media, and Skin and Soft Tissue Infection (SSTI). In addition, the article discusses the mechanisms through which AMCA has shown established effect against various resistant bacteria which has made this combination the drug of choice for treating infections as listed above.

Keywords: Amoxicillin; Clavulanic Acid; ImmunoModulation; Broad Spectrum; Infections. 

Corresponding Author : Puneet Rijhwani Professor & HOD, Department of Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Riico Institutional Area Sitapura, Tonk Road Jaipur Rajasthan 302022 India.