Antibacterials
Antibacterials
Antibacterials (pronounced: an-tee-bak-TEER-ee-uhls) are a type of antimicrobial used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infection. They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Etymology
The term "antibacterial" comes from the Greek words 'anti', meaning 'against', and 'bakteria', meaning 'little stick'. So, antibacterials are agents that act against little stick-like organisms, i.e., bacteria.
Types of Antibacterials
Antibacterials can be classified into two broad groups based on their biological effect on bacteria: bactericidal agents kill bacteria, and bacteriostatic agents slow down or stall bacterial growth.
Bactericidal Antibacterials
Bactericidal antibacterials, such as penicillin, work by killing the bacteria directly. They do this by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall or contents.
Bacteriostatic Antibacterials
Bacteriostatic antibacterials, such as tetracycline, do not actually kill the bacteria but instead stop them from multiplying.
Usage and Side Effects
Antibacterials are used to treat bacterial infections. The choice of antibacterial depends on the type of infection and the specific bacteria causing it. Some antibacterials can have side effects, including allergic reactions, drug interactions, and antibiotic resistance.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antibacterials
- Wikipedia's article - Antibacterials
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