antibacterial vs antimicrobial

Both 'antibacterial' and 'antimicrobial' are correct terms, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Antibacterial' specifically refers to substances that target bacteria, while 'antimicrobial' is a broader term that includes substances that target not only bacteria but also other microorganisms like fungi and viruses.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 949 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"antibacterial"

Use 'antibacterial' when referring to substances or products that specifically target bacteria.

Examples:

This soap contains antibacterial properties.
The doctor prescribed an antibacterial medication for the infection.

Show examples from the web [+]

Moisturizing ointment, medical tape or antibacterial soap.
It was your industrial-strength antibacterial soap.
Carbapenem antibacterial agents may reduce serum valproic acid concentrations.
Prescribers should consider official guidance on the use of antibacterial agents.
I also stole some antibacterial cream.
If urinary tract infection is present, an appropriate antibacterial therapy should be started.
Makes a nice antibacterial for minor wounds.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Mode of action Doripenem is a synthetic carbapenem antibacterial agent.
In vitro doripenem showed little potential to antagonize or be antagonized by other antibacterial agents.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Penem and carbapenem antibacterial agents may decrease the serum levels of valproic acid.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Prescribers should consider official guidance on the use of antibacterial agents.
Reconstituted and diluted solutions The product should be used immediately after reconstitution as it contains no antibacterial preservative.
That antibacterial soap doesn't work anymore because the germs got stronger.
Xolair 75 mg powder for solution for injection is supplied in a single-use vial and contains no antibacterial preservatives.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

Alternatives:

bactericidal
bacteriostatic
germicidal
disinfectant
sanitizer

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"antimicrobial"

Use 'antimicrobial' when referring to substances or products that target a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Examples:

This cleaner is effective against a variety of antimicrobial agents.
The antimicrobial properties of the fabric prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Show examples from the web [+]

The antimicrobial effectiveness of tylvalosin against bacteria causing diseases was investigated in microbiological laboratories.
The products themselves do not have an antimicrobial activity.
Tulathromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antimicrobial agent, which originates from a fermentation product.
Infections of the bones and joints Ciprofloxacin should be used in combination with other antimicrobial agents depending on the results of the microbiological documentation.
The metabolites display in-vitro antimicrobial activity but to a lower degree than the parent compound.
The antimicrobial effectiveness of pirlimycin against different groups of bacteria causing disease in dairy cows was investigated in microbiological laboratories.
Cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia have been reported in patients not receiving antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Therefore, antimicrobial prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia should be administered for the first 12 months following transplantation.
The antimicrobial effectiveness of valnemulin against bacteria causing the claimed diseases in pigs was studied in microbiological laboratories.
Difloxacin is an aryl-fluoroquinolone with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.
It has an antimicrobial activity similar to that of ceftiofur against the target pathogens.
ORACEA contains doxycycline in a formulation designed to yield plasma levels below the antimicrobial threshold.
Reporting on antimicrobial susceptibility shall be carried out in accordance with Article 9(1) of Directive 2003/99/EC.
It considered that this is probably due to the differences between therapeutic antibiotics and nisin in terms of the antimicrobial mode of action.
Its principal circulating metabolite represents approximately 13% of telithromycin AUC, and has little antimicrobial activity compared with the parent medicinal product.
Supervising physician started appropriate antimicrobial therapy for sepsis for at least five days.
PN 1 and PN 2 criteria were validated without previous antimicrobial therapy
Depending on the mode of surgery and the expected spectrum of pathogens ceftriaxone should be combined with an appropriate antimicrobial agent with additional anaerobic coverage.
Depending on the mode of surgery and the expected spectrum of pathogens ceftriaxone should be combined with an appropriate antimicrobial agent with additional anaerobic coverage.
Isolates which are tested for antimicrobial susceptibility as provided for in Article 2 shall be obtained from monitoring programmes, based on randomised sampling design.

Alternatives:

microbicidal
microbiostatic
germicidal
disinfectant
sanitizer

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antibacterial vs antimicrobial

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