Medical intervention in an infection primarily
involves attempts to eradicate the infecting
pathogen using substances that actively inhibit
or kill the organism. Some of these substances are
obtained and purified from other microbial organisms
and are known as antibiotics. Others are chemically synthesized.
Collectively, these natural and synthesized substances
are referred to as antimicrobial agents. Depending
on the type of organisms targeted, these substances are
also known as antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, or
antiviral agents.