Narrow-spectrum antimicrobial

Definition

A narrow-spectrum antimicrobial is an agent that targets a specific subset of microorganisms, typically either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. These drugs are used when the causative pathogen is known and can minimize disruption to normal microbiota.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Narrow-spectrum antimicrobials are effective against a limited range of pathogens.
2. They are less likely to disrupt the body's normal flora compared to broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
3. Examples include penicillin G, which targets primarily Gram-positive bacteria.
4. They reduce the risk of developing antibiotic resistance by targeting specific organisms.
5. Their use requires precise identification of the causative microorganism through diagnostic testing.

Review Questions

Related terms

Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial: An agent that targets a wide variety of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of an antibiotic they were once sensitive to.

Normal Microbiota: The collection of microorganisms that reside on or within various parts of the human body without causing disease under normal conditions.