antimikrobiel

Antimikrobiel, or antimicrobial, refers to any substance or method that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. This broad category includes antibiotics used inside living organisms, antiseptics and disinfectants applied to surfaces, antifungal and antiviral agents, and in some contexts non-chemical methods such as heat or irradiation that reduce microbial loads.

Antimicrobial action occurs through disruption of essential microbial processes. Common mechanisms include inhibition of cell wall synthesis (for example beta-lactams), interference with protein synthesis, blocking DNA replication or folate metabolism, and disruption of the cell membrane. Agents can be bactericidal, killing microorganisms, or bacteriostatic, halting their growth and allowing the immune system to clear the infection.

Applications span medicine for treating infections and preventing disease, public health uses such as sanitization and sterilization, food preservation, agriculture and veterinary medicine, and consumer products like hand sanitizers and surface cleaners.

The use of antimicrobial agents must balance efficacy with safety and the risk of resistance. Antimicrobial resistance arises when microorganisms adapt to withstand exposure, reducing treatment options. Regulatory agencies evaluate safety, efficacy, and environmental impact, and stewardship programs guide appropriate prescribing, dosing, and usage to minimize harm and preserve effectiveness.

History highlights include the discovery of penicillin in 1928 and subsequent expansion of antimicrobial drug classes, which transformed medicine but also created challenges related to resistance and side effects.