What spectrum of bacteria is ampicillin-sulbactam primarily effective against?

Ampicillin-sulbactam is a combination antibiotic that utilizes ampicillin, a penicillin derivative effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, and sulbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps protect ampicillin from being broken down by certain resistant bacteria. This combination makes ampicillin-sulbactam effective against both Gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes.

The Gram-positive coverage includes organisms such as Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species. The anaerobic coverage includes bacteria such as Bacteroides fragilis, which are commonly encountered in intra-abdominal infections and certain polymicrobial infections. This broad-spectrum activity is particularly important in treating infections where both Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria may be present.

Other choices do not accurately represent the effectiveness of ampicillin-sulbactam. While Gram-negative bacteria are also affected, they are not the primary focus of this antibiotic's spectrum, and the combination does not exclusively target anaerobes or only Gram-positive cocci. Thus, the selection emphasizes the broad and significant impact ampicillin-sulbactam has on both Gram-positive organisms and anaerobes, providing a comprehensive approach to various infections.