For which of the following conditions are cephalosporins often used?

• A. To treat fungal infections
• B. For the topical treatment of burns
• C. To treat infections that have shown resistance to other antibiotics
• D. For infections caused by gram-negative organisms

Answer: (C)

Cephalosporins are antibacterial drugs that inhibit bacterial cell-wall synthesis, and they’re particularly valued when an infection doesn’t respond to other antibiotics. Their spectrum is broad and, with later generations, extends more effectively against gram-negative bacteria and against organisms that produce beta-lactamases, the enzymes that often drive resistance. This makes them a common choice for infections that have shown resistance to earlier antibiotics, because they can still be effective where other drugs fail. They are not antifungal agents, so they don’t treat fungal infections, and while they can treat many systemic infections, the key reason they’re chosen in this context is their ability to overcome certain resistance mechanisms. When possible, therapy is guided by culture and sensitivity results.