What is the difference between antibiotics and antimicrobials

Interfering with the construction of cell walls, attacking ribosomes, and disabling RNA, antibiotics are powerful tools in the medicinal world.

The problem with this question is that viruses are hundreds to thousands of times smaller than bacteria, while also requiring a host to infect. These fundamental differences result in different procedures for handling bacterial and viral infections. We rely on our bodies and vaccines to create viral antibodies to fend off sickness. There are antiviral drugs, but with so many variations of cold and flu bugs, it is often impossible to target specific strains.

To define antimicrobial, we can use broader terminology. Applying these two terms together, antimicrobial describes a substance, compound, synthetic, or any material unsuitable for the presence of microorganisms. These microorganisms can include fungi, protozoa, bacteria, and moulds, depending on the type of antimicrobial compound used.

As with antibiotics, antimicrobial products can be specialized, or they can work on a multitude of different microbes. However, the most important distinguisher that results in a product being defined as antimicrobial, and not an antibiotic, is the use outside of a body. Antimicrobial efforts are always concerned about materials. Steps that people can take to help lower the risk of AMR include the following:. Both microbial behavior and the way in which people take antimicrobial drugs are responsible for the increase in AMR.

This resistance could be very dangerous as it could mean that it is no longer possible to treat some infections, which could lead to severe complications or even death. Resistance to antibiotics kills more than 20, people in the U. But how do bugs become resistant to drugs that once worked so well? Infection refers to an invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms or parasites. The severity can range from mild to fatal. Treatment depends on…. Antibiotics include a range of powerful drugs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

They treat bacterial infections, not viruses. If used…. MRSA is an infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics, including penicillin, which makes it challenging to treat.

Find out what it is and why…. Staying hydrated, letting the stomach rest, and eating foods that do…. Antibiotic resistance: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. What is antimicrobial resistance? Causes Examples Treatment Prevention Summary For the last 70 years, doctors have prescribed drugs known as antimicrobial agents to treat infectious diseases. Share on Pinterest Antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs are crucial for fighting infection and saving lives, but they must be used correctly.

Share on Pinterest Not following recommendations for the use of some drugs can increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Examples of resistance. Treatment and alternatives. Preventing AMR. Share on Pinterest Preventing diseases from spreading, for example, through good hygiene, is one way to reduce the need for or use of medications.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What causes antibiotic resistance? What to know about antibiotics. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. All you need to know about MRSA. Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. What to eat if you have a C. Antimicrobial technologies work against a broad spectrum of microbes and can have both antifungal and antibacterial properties.

The active ingredient in the technology will determine if it is antibacterial, antifungal, or both. Antimicrobial technologies are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, but if fungal activity is not a concern for your product, using an antibacterial solution might be the better option for you.

Choosing one over the other all depends on the end-use environment and specific goals a company has for their antimicrobial product.

When helping you to determine the best antimicrobial for your business needs, Microban considers a variety of factors that start with understanding what you are looking to achieve. Whether you want your product to be marketed as antibacterial, antimicrobial, or both, Microban's team of experts will be able to assist with a solution that offers the right antimicrobial properties for your product type. Our portfolio of organic and inorganic antimicrobials are proven effective against a plethora of degrading microbes.

Microban utilizes built-in antimicrobial technologies to help keep products cleaner, fresher and more durable for longer. They can be built into products across a wide variety of industries including:. Built-in antimicrobial technologies are very different from residual antibacterial cleaning solutions.

Check out our blog on the key differences between built-in antimicrobial solutions and cleaning products. Do you have more questions about antimicrobial and antibacterial technologies? Contact Microban today to arrange a consultation with a member of our team. Treated product efficacy claims against specific microbes are dependant on the results of laboratory testing. Antimicrobial Antimicrobial. Back to Main Menu. Back to Previous Menu. What is an antimicrobial?

What is an antimicrobial additive? How do antimicrobials work? How do you add antimicrobials to products?