The use of narrow-spectrum antimicrobial drugs is preferred in many cases to avoid superinfection and the development of antimicrobial resistance The dosage and route of administration are important considerations when selecting an antimicrobial to treat and infection.

Antimicrobial drugs produced by purposeful fermentation and/or contained in plants have been used as traditional medicines in many cultures for millennia The purposeful and systematic search for a chemical “magic bullet” that specifically target infectious microbes was initiated by Paul Ehrlich in the early 20th century

use of narrow-spectrum antimicrobial drugs — preferred in many cases to avoid superinfection and the development of antimicrobial resistance. dosage and route of administration — important considerations when selecting an antimicrobial to treat and infection.

Be able to compare and contrast natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic antimicrobial drugs; describe the chemotherapeutic approaches of ancient societies; describe the historically important individuals and events that led to the development of antimicrobial drugs.