(see Antibacterial agents

(see About bacteria and antibiotics

(see About antibiotic resistance

Antimicrobial is a broad term used to describe any agent which interferes with the normal function of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses and protozoa. Antibiotics, which affect only bacteria, are one type of antimicrobial.

(see About bacteria and antibiotics

Refers to the number of living organisms and variability among them and their environments. Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Colonization occurs when a new species of bacteria develops a colony (a group of the same type of bacteria) in a new location, such as the human intestinal tract. Bacteria can colonize a host without causing infection or disease. Commensal

The changes induced by natural or human activity on the ecology and living organisms. Ecology

A place with living (animals, plants, microorganisms, and other organisms) and nonliving (soil, water, rocks) elements that form a complex web of interdependency. Effluent

Bacteria that live in the intestines of humans or animals. Environment