Explain briefly: Broad spectrum antibiotics. With examples.

Options

A. IgG, IgA
B. IgM, IgD
C. IgD, IgE
D. IgE, IgA

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Antibiotics**:
- Antibiotics are a group of medicines that are used to fight against life-threatening bacteria. The term "antibiotic" comes from the Greek words "anti," meaning against, and "biotic," meaning life.

2. **Function of Antibiotics**:
- These medicines specifically target disease-causing bacteria, which can lead to various infections in the human body.

3. **Types of Bacteria**:
- Bacteria can be classified into two main types based on their cell wall structure: Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick cell wall, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner cell wall surrounded by an outer membrane.

4. **Broad Spectrum Antibiotics**:
- Broad spectrum antibiotics are those that can inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This means they are effective against a wide range of bacterial infections.

5. **Examples of Broad Spectrum Antibiotics**:
- Two common examples of broad spectrum antibiotics are:
- **Tetracyclines**: This class of antibiotics is effective against a variety of bacteria and is often used to treat infections such as acne and respiratory tract infections.
- **Penicillins**: This group includes various antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including some Gram-negative bacteria.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Broad spectrum antibiotics are essential in treating infections caused by multiple types of bacteria, making them valuable in medical practice.