What type of agents are derived from fungi and bacteria to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms?

Antibiotics are substances that are derived from microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, specifically designed to inhibit the growth of other microorganisms, particularly bacteria. They work by targeting various cellular processes in bacteria, which can include disrupting cell wall synthesis, inhibiting protein synthesis, or interfering with metabolic pathways. This ability to selectively combat bacterial infections has made antibiotics a cornerstone of modern medicine.

In contrast, antivirals focus on treating viral infections and are not derived from fungi or bacteria. Antifungals are used to kill or inhibit fungal pathogens and are specifically targeted towards fungi, not bacteria. Antiparasitics are agents used to treat infections caused by parasites, which are different from both bacteria and fungi. Each of these categories serves distinct purposes in managing infections, highlighting the unique role that antibiotics play in combating bacterial growth.