Anti-infective agent

German: Antiinfektivum

1 Definition

Anti-infective agent is a term used for medications that are used in the therapy of infectious diseases.

2 Background

In case of an infection through microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi,the anti-infective agents are used to selectively inhibit the reproduction of, or kill the pathogens. While attacking the pathogens it is important that the anti-infective agent is minimally toxic for the human.

3 Classification

Nowadays used anti-infective agents can be grouped into the following drug groups:

• Antibiotics
  • Antitubercular agents
• Virostatic agents (antivirals)
• Antiparasitic agents
  • Anthelminitic agents
  • Antiprotozoal agents