FOLATE DEFICIENCY AND THE BACTERIOSTATIC MECHANISM OF SULFONAMIDE PREPARATIONS

Abstract

Folate deficiency remains a significant global health problem affecting hematopoiesis, cellular proliferation, and systemic metabolism. Folic acid is essential for one-carbon transfer reactions required for nucleotide biosynthesis and DNA replication. Deficiency results in megaloblastic anemia, impaired cell division, and multiple systemic complications. Sulfonamide preparations represent one of the earliest classes of antimicrobial agents and exert bacteriostatic activity through competitive inhibition of folate synthesis in microorganisms. This article analyzes the biochemical basis of folate deficiency in humans and explains the molecular mechanism of sulfonamide antibacterial action. The relationship between microbial folate synthesis and selective toxicity is discussed within the framework of evidence-based pharmacology.