What's the difference between antibiotics and antibacterial?

Antibiotics: Antibiotics specifically target and treat bacterial infections. They are substances produced by microorganisms or synthesized in the laboratory that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

"Antibiotics" and "antibacterial" are related terms, but they have some key differences:

Scope of Activity:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics specifically target and treat bacterial infections. They are substances produced by microorganisms or synthesized in the laboratory that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Antibacterial: This term is broader and can refer to substances that act against bacteria, but it can also include agents that target other microorganisms such as viruses or fungi.

Origin:

Antibiotics: Many antibiotics are naturally produced by bacteria and fungi. They are often used as medications to treat bacterial infections.

Antibacterial: This term can encompass both natural and synthetic substances that have antibacterial properties. It's a more general category.

Targets:

Antibiotics: Specifically target bacteria by interfering with their essential processes, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production.

Antibacterial: May refer to substances that target bacteria, but it's a broader term that could include agents with activity against a range of microorganisms.

Application:

Antibiotics: Primarily used in the treatment of bacterial infections in humans, animals, and sometimes plants.

Antibacterial: Can be used in various products, including soaps, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and cleaning agents, to reduce or eliminate bacteria on surfaces and skin.

It's important to note that the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual language. In a medical context, "antibiotics" specifically refer to medications used to treat bacterial infections, while "antibacterial" can have a broader usage, including non-medicinal applications like cleaning products.