The term 'broad spectrum antibiotics ' means

Options

A. bactericidal antibiotics
B. bacteriostatic antibiotics
C. which kill or inhibit a wide range of gram -ve and gram +ve bacteria
D. which kill or inhibit all types of gram +ve bacteria .

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Broad Spectrum Antibiotics**:
Broad spectrum antibiotics are defined as antibiotics that are effective against a wide variety of harmful bacteria. This means they can target multiple types of bacteria rather than being limited to a specific strain.

2. **Examples of Broad Spectrum Antibiotics**:
Some common examples of broad spectrum antibiotics include:
- **Chloramphenicol**: Often used to treat typhoid fever and other serious infections.
- **Tetracycline**: Used for various infections, including acne and respiratory tract infections.
- **Ofloxacin**: Used for urinary tract infections and certain types of pneumonia.

3. **Mechanism of Action**:
Broad spectrum antibiotics work by targeting two major groups of bacteria:
- **Gram-positive bacteria**: These bacteria have a thick cell wall and can be susceptible to certain antibiotics.
- **Gram-negative bacteria**: These bacteria have a thinner cell wall but are often more resistant to antibiotics. Broad spectrum antibiotics can act on both types.

4. **Clinical Applications**:
Broad spectrum antibiotics are particularly useful in treating infections when the specific bacteria causing the infection is not yet identified. They can be used in cases such as:
- Typhoid fever
- Acute fever
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections

5. **Conclusion**:
In summary, broad spectrum antibiotics are essential in the medical field as they provide a wide range of coverage against various bacterial infections, making them crucial in treating serious and mixed infections.