Antimicrobial therapy
Antimicrobial therapy refers to the use of antimicrobial agents to treat infections caused by microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This form of therapy is a cornerstone of modern medicine and plays a crucial role in managing infectious diseases.
History[edit | edit source]
The history of antimicrobial therapy dates back to the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928. This marked the beginning of the antibiotic era, which has seen the development of a wide range of antimicrobial agents.
Types of Antimicrobial Agents[edit | edit source]
Antimicrobial agents can be broadly classified into several categories, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. Each of these categories targets a specific type of microorganism.
Antibiotics[edit | edit source]
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing the bacteria or inhibiting their growth. Examples include penicillin, cephalosporins, and tetracyclines.
Antivirals[edit | edit source]
Antivirals are used to treat viral infections. They work by inhibiting the replication of the virus. Examples include oseltamivir for influenza and antiretroviral therapy for HIV.
Antifungals[edit | edit source]
Antifungals are used to treat fungal infections. They work by disrupting the cell membrane of the fungus. Examples include fluconazole and amphotericin B.
Antiparasitics[edit | edit source]
Antiparasitics are used to treat parasitic infections. They work by killing the parasite or inhibiting its growth. Examples include ivermectin for roundworm infections and mefloquine for malaria.
Principles of Antimicrobial Therapy[edit | edit source]
The principles of antimicrobial therapy involve choosing the right drug, dose, and duration of therapy. This requires understanding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the antimicrobial agent, as well as the susceptibility of the microorganism.
Challenges[edit | edit source]
Despite its successes, antimicrobial therapy faces several challenges, including the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions, and the need for new antimicrobial agents.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
