What mechanism of action do aminoglycoside antibiotics primarily exhibit against bacterial infections?

Aminoglycoside antibiotics primarily function by inhibiting the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria. This action interferes with protein synthesis, an essential process for bacterial growth and reproduction. When aminoglycosides bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, they cause misreading of mRNA, which leads to the production of faulty proteins. This disruption in protein synthesis can result in bactericidal effects, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death.

The specificity of aminoglycosides for the 30S subunit makes them particularly effective against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, although they can also have activity against some Gram-positive organisms when used in synergy with other antibiotics. This mechanism is distinct from those of other antibiotic classes; for instance, cell wall synthesis inhibitors target peptidoglycan layers in bacteria, whereas DNA and RNA polymerase inhibitors disrupt nucleic acid synthesis.