Which cephalosporins are known to have coverage for anaerobic bacteria?

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Cefotetan and Cefoxitin are both second-generation cephalosporins that have demonstrated effectiveness against anaerobic bacteria. They are unique among cephalosporins due to their beta-lactam structure that allows them to combat infections caused by anaerobes such as Bacteroides fragilis, which are often found in abdominal and pelvic infections.

Cefotetan is specifically indicated for surgical prophylaxis in colorectal surgeries where anaerobic coverage is essential, and Cefoxitin is frequently used in similar contexts. Their ability to penetrate tissues and fluids where anaerobic bacteria thrive is key to their clinical utility.

In contrast, other cephalosporins mentioned in the other options, such as Ceftriaxone and Cefazolin (which primarily cover aerobic Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms) and Cefepime and Ceftazidime (which are more focused on Gram-negative coverage), lack significant activity against anaerobes. Hence, they are not suitable choices for situations where anaerobic infection is a concern.

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