Static vs Cidal Antibiotics: Concepts Revisited

Editors in Conversation

A common description of antibiotic action aims to classify them between “bactericidal” or “bacteriostatic”. Although these phenomena have robust in vitro foundations, the clinical translation of these concepts is sometimes difficult to ascertain. This controversial topic has important conceptual ramifications to treat severe infections. Today, we will discuss this topic with an expert in field.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/3z4BItBrzbk

Topics discussed:

• The definitions of “cidal” vs “static” antibiotics
• The clinical applicability of the above terms in terms of antibiotic choice and syndromatic approaches
• antibiotic choices and the controversy between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics.

Guest:

• Brad Spellberg, MD. Chief Medical Officer at the Los Angeles General Medical Center

Links:

• ASM and IDSA launch the Interdisciplinary Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and Innovation (IMARI) in 2026
• Watch this session on YouTube

This episode is brought to you by the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Journal.

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