Understanding Antimicrobial Agents and Their Role in Infection Prevention

Antimicrobial substances are agents that inhibit the growth of microorganisms or kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites to prevent infections and promote health.
Application
Antibacterial Products | Antimicrobial Resistance | Microbial Infection Prevention | Antimicrobial Agents | Antibacterial Substances | Infection Prevention
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Antimicrobial FAQ

What is an antimicrobial medicine?

An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms ( microbicide) or stops their growth ( bacteriostatic agent ). Antimicrobial medicines can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against. For example, antibiotics are used against bacteria, and antifungals are used against fungi.

What is antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines.

Do antimicrobial products kill microorganisms?

Antimicrobial products kill or slow the spread of microorganisms. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi such as mold and mildew. 1 You may find antimicrobial products in your home, workplace , or school.

What are antimicrobial products used for?

As pesticides, antimicrobial products are used on objects such as countertops, toys, grocery carts, and hospital equipment. As antiseptics, antimicrobial products are used to treat or prevent diseases on people, pets, and other living things.

Antimicrobial References

If you want to know more about Antimicrobial, consider exploring links below:

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