Spectrum of activity

Definition

Spectrum of activity refers to the range of different microorganisms that an antimicrobial agent can affect. It can be broad-spectrum, targeting a wide variety of pathogens, or narrow-spectrum, targeting specific types.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Broad-spectrum antibiotics can target both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
2. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are effective against specific families of bacteria.
3. The spectrum of activity is crucial for selecting the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.
4. Overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to increased antibiotic resistance.
5. Antibiotic susceptibility testing helps determine the spectrum of activity for specific drugs.

Review Questions

• What is the difference between broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum antibiotics?
• How does the spectrum of activity influence the choice of an antimicrobial drug?
• Why is it important to perform antibiotic susceptibility testing?

Related terms

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of an antibiotic.

Gram-Positive Bacteria: Bacteria that have a thick cell wall and retain a purple color after Gram staining.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing: Procedures used to determine which specific antibiotics a particular bacterium or fungus is sensitive to.