Antimicrobial spectrum

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A simplified diagram showing common disease-causing bacteria and the antibiotics which act against them.

The antimicrobial spectrum of an

Gram negative bacteria; narrow-spectrum antibiotic can only kill or inhibit limited species of bacteria.[1][2][3]

Currently no antibiotic's spectrum can completely cover all types of microorganisms.[4]

Determination

The antimicrobial spectrum of an antibiotic can be determined by testing its antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microbes in vitro . Nonetheless, the range of microorganisms which an antibiotic can kill or inhibit in vivo may not always be the same as the antimicrobial spectrum based on data collected in vitro.[2][5]

Significance

bacterial resistance and are less likely to disrupt the microbiome (normal microflora).[3] On the other hand, indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may not only induce the development of bacterial resistance and promote the emergency of multidrug-resistant organisms, but also cause off-target effects due to dysbiosis.[3][6] They may also have side effects, such as diarrhea or rash.[7] Generally, a broad antibiotic has more clinical indications, and therefore are more widely used.[2][8] The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) recommends the use of narrow-spectrum antibiotics whenever possible.[9]

Examples

See also

References