Question

characteristics of ideal antimicrobial drugs
complete the sentences to review the characteristics of ideal antimicrobial drugs.
the goal of antimicrobial therapy is to deliver a drug that will destroy the _________ without harming the _________.
an ideal antimicrobial drug is _________ rather than _________, and is relatively soluble.
an ideal drug remains potent long enough to act, but does not lead to the development of ___________ in microbial populations.
an effective drug assists the hosts _________ and should not cause _________ or other infections.
an ideal drug should be readily delivered to the site of _________ in the host and overall should be reasonably _________.

Explanation:

• The goal of antimicrobial therapy is to target the pathogen (the disease - causing microbe) while sparing the host (the infected organism).
• An ideal drug is microbicidal (kills microbes) rather than microbistatic (only inhibits microbial growth).
• Prolonged use of some drugs can lead to antimicrobial resistance in microbes.
• A good drug supports the host's defenses (immune system) and doesn't cause allergies or secondary infections.
• It should reach the site of infection and be reasonably priced for accessibility.

Answer:

• The goal of antimicrobial therapy is to deliver a drug that will destroy the pathogen without harming the host.
• An ideal antimicrobial drug is microbicidal rather than microbistatic, and is relatively soluble.
• An ideal drug remains potent long enough to act, but does not lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance in microbial populations.
• An effective drug assists the host's defenses and should not cause allergies or other infections.
• An ideal drug should be readily delivered to the site of infection in the host and overall should be reasonably priced.