Question

What is meant by the term broad spectrum antibiotics? Explain.

Answer 1

Hint: When you go see a doctor, you might have come across some particular chemical compositions which are very often. They are the constituents of many medicines that are prescribed. Have you wondered, what makes it so useful?

Complete step by step answer:
The range of bacteria that are affected by certain antibiotics gives us the spectrum of its action. On this basis antibiotics are categorized in two types:
a) Broad spectrum antibiotics
b) Narrow spectrum antibiotics

Broad spectrum antibiotics have a large antimicrobial spectrum which includes some gram-positive and some gram-negative organisms, as well as certain rickettsiae, larger viruses, protozoa, and pleuropneumonia-like organisms. In other terms, antibiotics which kill or inhibit a wide range of harmful or disease-causing bacteria are called broad spectrum antibiotics. Broad spectrum antibiotics help in curing many diseases.
For examples:
1.) Ampicillin- It is used in the treatment of diseases such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, salmonellosis, and endocarditis.
2.) Amoxycillin- It is specifically used for otitis media, strep throat, pneumonia, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, and animal bites.
3.) Chloramphenicol- It is used in treatment of diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, acute fever, pneumonia, meningitis, and certain forms of urinary infections.

Note: Unnecessary usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics when they’re not needed can create antibiotic-resistant bacteria that are hard to treat. So, it is always advised to consult a doctor before usage.