Antibiotika spektrum

One of the most difficult concepts to understand is the spectrum of activity of different antimicrobials. We are all taught each antimicrobial in silos of the other ones and I always found it difficult to create conceptual charts in my head. Thankfully, I’ve found some amazing charts on the internet (from reputable sources, of course) that shows antimicrobials in relation to one another that may be helpful to you.

Here, I will present the best ones I’ve found so far for antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals for you to use as a reference guide. At the bottom, I will list a few caveats to take into account when using these charts, because as always, ID is never as simple as the charts imply.

Antibiotics

Intensive Care Drug Manual: Wellington ICU. Appendix 5.

Re-writing the fine print of the chart in case it’s not easily readable:
*For simplicity, atypical organisms are not included above. Partial columns indicate incomplete coverage. ESBL-producing organisms are not susceptible to most antibiotics containing a beta-lactam ring; carbapenems are the usual agent of choice.
1: C. difficile should only be treated with metronidazole or vancomycin
2: ESCHAPPM are β-lactamase