bakteriostatisch

Bakteriostatisch, in English bacteriostatic, describes antimicrobial agents that inhibit the growth and replication of bacteria rather than killing them outright. In clinical practice, these agents slow or halt bacterial proliferation, allowing the host’s immune system to clear the infection. This contrasts with bactericidal drugs, which aim to kill bacteria directly.

The principal mechanisms of action include inhibition of protein synthesis (for example macrolides such as erythromycin and azithromycin; tetracyclines; chloramphenicol; and clindamycin/linezolid) and disruption of essential metabolic pathways (such as the folic acid synthesis pathway targeted by sulfonamides and trimethoprim). Many bacteriostatic drugs are organism-specific in their effect and can be bacteriostatic for some species while being bactericidal for others. In addition, the classification can depend on drug concentration and the local environment. By contrast, drugs that inhibit cell wall synthesis or certain DNA-damaging processes are more commonly bactericidal.

Clinically, bacteriostatic agents are effective for a range of infections in immunocompetent patients, including certain respiratory and urinary tract infections. In immunocompromised patients or in severe infections, bactericidal therapy may be preferred. Susceptibility testing and clinical context guide therapy, since some agents (for example trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) can act bacteriostatically against some bacteria and bactericidally against others. Considerations also include safety profiles and contraindications for specific populations when selecting a bacteriostatic agent.