16.9 What is meant by the term ‘broad spectrum antibiotics’ ? Explain.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics-
The range of bacteria that are affected by certain antibiotics has expressed a spectrum of its action.
Antibiotics which kill/inhibit a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are said to be broad-spectrum antibiotics. Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
It can be used for the treatment of typhoid, dysentery, acute fever, pneumonia, and certain types of urinary infection.