ANTI MICROBIALS(Antibiotics)

Anti microbials may be produced by living organisms (antibiotics) or by synthetic methods which can kill the micro-organisms or prevent their protein synthesis.

TYPES:-

Two types-

·       Bacterocidal:- Kill the bacteria i;e Penicillin, cephalosphorin.

·       Bacterostatic:- Prevents the protein synthesis i.e Tetracycline, Erythromycin.

Principles of anti-microbial treatment

Anti-microbials are used to prevent or to treat established surgical infection. There are two approaches to anti-biotic treatment.

·       A narrow spectrum anti-biotic may be used to treat a known sensitive infection.

·       Combination of broad spectrum anti-biotic can be used when the organism is not known or several bacteria may be responsible for the infection. Thus during and following emergency surgery within the abdomen, a combination of broad spectrum penicillin with an aminoglycocides and metronidazole may be used post-operatively to support the patients own body defense.

Principles for the use of anti-biotic therapy

·       Anti-biotic do not replace surgical drainage of infection.

·       Only spreading infection or signs of systemic infection justify the use of anti-biotic.

·       Whenever possible the organism and sensitivity should be determined.