Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial activity refers to the ability of a substance to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. This property is crucial in a variety of fields such as medicine, agriculture, and food preservation. In medicine, antimicrobial agents like antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals are used to treat infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms. In agriculture, they help protect crops and livestock from microbial diseases. In food preservation, antimicrobial agents extend the shelf life of products by preventing spoilage and contamination. The effectiveness of an antimicrobial substance is often measured through laboratory tests that determine its minimal inhibitory concentration or the lowest concentration needed to prevent microbial growth. Understanding and developing antimicrobial agents is essential for public health, especially in the face of increasing antimicrobial resistance.