Definition of antibiotics and antibacterial scope

Summary

An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance that is active against bacteria. In medical use, antibiotics are among the most important antibacterial agents for treating and preventing bacterial infections, and they may either kill bacteria (bactericidal) or inhibit their growth (bacteriostatic). While a limited number of antibiotics can also act against some protozoa, antibiotics are not effective against viruses or fungi. The antibacterial scope is broader than antibiotics: “antibacterials” include bactericides, bacteriostatics, antibacterial soaps, and chemical disinfectants, all of which act against microorganisms. Antibiotics are a more specific class within antimicrobial chemotherapy, typically used in medicine (and sometimes in livestock feed). Although the term “antibiotic” can be used broadly to mean any microbe-opposing substance, the usual medical meaning emphasizes drugs that target bacteria and are used therapeutically, with both antibiotics and other antibacterials sharing the general effect of killing or preventing microbial growth.

Key Points

• 1

  Antibiotics are antimicrobial substances specifically active against bacteria and may either kill bacteria or inhibit their growth.

• 2

  Antibiotics are not effective against viruses or fungi, though some have limited antiprotozoal activity.

• 3

  “Antibacterials” is a wider category that includes therapeutic antibiotics as well as other agents like bactericides/bacteriostatics, antibacterial soaps, and chemical disinfectants.