Broad-spectrum antibiotic activity

Broad-spectrum antibiotic activity refers to the property of certain antibiotics to act against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria, specifically both Gram-positive and Gram-negative types. Broad-spectrum agents are employed in situations when the causative organism is unknown or when multiple different bacterial species may be present, such as in empiric therapy of serious infections or for drug-resistant pathogens. These antibiotics work by targeting fundamental bacterial processes such as cell wall or protein synthesis. Examples include members of the β-lactam, tetracycline, aminoglycoside, macrolide, quinolone, carbapenem, and other classes. Use of these agents carries risks including increased potential for antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects that can vary by drug class. This entry is classified as incorrect for a therapeutic "target"—it describes a class and pharmacological action, not a molecular entity, gene, or protein that can be antagonized, agonized, or otherwise targeted by therapeutic agents.

Other names

broad-spectrum antibioticsbroad-spectrum antibacterial agents

Inhibition of cell wall synthesis (e.g., β-lactams, glycopeptides like vancomycin); Disruption of cytoplasmic membranes (e.g., polymyxins); Inhibition of protein synthesis (e.g., tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, macrolides, oxazolidinones); Inhibition of folic acid metabolism (e.g., sulfonamides, trimethoprim)