Chapter 9, Problem 21Q

Summary Introduction

To devise: An experiment that differentiates between bactericidal versus bacteriostatic effects.

Introduction:

To devise an experiment that will be effective for the infectious disease, the determination of antimicrobial agent which is most effective against a specific pathogen is necessary. The mode of action of various types of antimicrobials determines their effect on microbial growth.

Bactericidal are the agents that “kill bacteria”. For example: aminoglycosides, penicillin, and vancomycin.

Bacteriostatic are the agents that “stop/prevent the bacterial growth”. For example: chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, and erythromycin.