Antimicrobials

Definition

Antimicrobials are agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They are crucial in treating infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antimicrobials can be classified into various categories such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.
2. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials can lead to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms.
3. Penicillin was the first antibiotic discovered and is still widely used to treat bacterial STIs like syphilis.
4. Antivirals such as acyclovir are commonly used to manage viral STIs like herpes simplex virus (HSV).
5. Some antimicrobials have broad-spectrum activity while others are specific to particular types of microorganisms.

Review Questions

• What are the different categories of antimicrobials?
• How does misuse of antimicrobials contribute to resistance?
• Name an antiviral drug commonly used for managing HSV.

Related terms

Antibiotics:

Drugs that specifically target and kill bacteria or inhibit their growth.

Antivirals:

Medications designed to treat viral infections by inhibiting the development of the infectious virus.

Resistance: The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of an antimicrobial that once could successfully treat the infection.