Antibacterial

Antibacterial refers to substances or processes that destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria. This term is often used interchangeably with the term antimicrobial, but antibacterial specifically targets bacteria, while antimicrobial can refer to any agent that works against all types of microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.

Types of Antibacterials

Antibacterials can be classified into two broad groups: bactericidal agents, which kill bacteria, and bacteriostatic agents, which inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Bactericidal Agents

Bactericidal agents are a type of antibacterial that kills bacteria directly. They function by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall or cell membrane, or by disrupting their metabolic processes. Examples of bactericidal agents include penicillin, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides.

Bacteriostatic Agents

Bacteriostatic agents are a type of antibacterial that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria, but does not necessarily kill them outright. They function by interfering with the bacteria's protein production, DNA replication, or other aspects of bacterial cellular metabolism. Examples of bacteriostatic agents include tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and macrolides.

Uses of Antibacterials

Antibacterials are primarily used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They can be administered orally, topically, or intravenously. In addition to their medical uses, antibacterials are also used in soaps, hand sanitizers, and cleaning products.

Resistance to Antibacterials

The overuse and misuse of antibacterials can lead to antibacterial resistance, a serious global health concern. This occurs when bacteria evolve in response to the use of these medicines and develop the ability to withstand the drugs designed to kill them.

See Also

• Antibiotic
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Bactericide
• Bacteriostatic agent

References

Antibacterial Resources
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