An antimicrobial is a substance that has the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These substances can be natural or synthetic and are used to treat infections caused by microorganisms. Examples of antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.
Antimicrobials are an important tool in medicine for treating infections and preventing the spread of disease. However, the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance, which is a major public health concern.