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Antibiotics

  1. Ian Chopra

Published Online: 21 AUG 2001

DOI: 10.1038/npg.els.0002225

Book Title

eLS

eLS

Additional Information

How to Cite

Chopra, I. 2001. Antibiotics. eLS. .

Author Information

  1. University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

Publication History

  1. Published Online: 21 AUG 2001
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Abstract

Antibiotics are natural and synthetic compounds with selective bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects that eliminate pathogens or slow their growth such that the host defence mechanisms can clear the infection. Antibiotics are classified mechanistically according to their site of action in the bacterial cell.

Keywords:

  • antibiotics;
  • antibacterial agents;
  • mechanism of action
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