title: Rational antimicrobial therapy.
abstract: Rational antimicrobial therapy depends on the identity of the causative organisms, the location of the infection, and the condition of the host. Selection of antimicrobial therapy is often started before identification of the causative organism is complete. Certain cultural and staining procedures must be instigated prior to therapy in order to isolate the causative organism. Knowledge of the host's physiologic state is necessary to minimize toxicities and/or failures of therapy. Knowledge of synergistic and antagonistic actions of some antimicrobial agents is necessary for optimal results.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000892:Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008722:Methods; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000628:therapy; D014165:Transfer Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000892:Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary; D014165:Transfer Factor