antimikrobiale

Antimicrobial, or antimikrobiale in some languages, is a broad term for substances that kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth. This includes natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic agents used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Antimicrobials are used in medicine, veterinary care, agriculture, and consumer products.

Major categories include antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antiparasitics, antiseptics, and disinfectants. Antibiotics and other antimicrobials are selected for use inside living organisms, while antiseptics are applied to skin or mucous membranes and disinfectants on inanimate surfaces. Agents differ by mechanism of action and spectrum of activity.

Common mechanisms include inhibition of cell wall synthesis (beta-lactams), disruption of protein synthesis (tetracyclines, macrolides), interference with nucleic acid synthesis (fluoroquinolones), and blockade of metabolic pathways (sulfonamides). Some agents disrupt membranes or target specific cellular processes. Broad-spectrum agents affect many pathogens; narrow-spectrum agents target specific groups.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes evolve to survive exposure to drugs. Mechanisms include enzymatic drug inactivation, target modification, efflux pumps, and reduced permeability. AMR makes infections harder to treat and increases the need for stewardship and new therapies.

Antimicrobial stewardship promotes prudent use, accurate diagnosis, appropriate agent choice, correct dosing and duration, infection prevention, and vaccination. It also considers adverse effects and microbiome impact. Ongoing research seeks new antimicrobials and alternative strategies to preserve effectiveness.