Editors in Conversation

Author: American Society for Microbiology

Editors in Conversation is the official podcast of the American Society for Microbiology Journals. Editors in Conversation features discussions between ASM Journals Editors, researchers and clinicians working on the most cutting edge issues in the microbial sciences. Topics include laboratory diagnosis and clinical treatment of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, epidemiology of infections, multidrug-resistant organisms, pharmacology of antimicrobial agents, susceptibility testing, and more. The podcast is directed to microbiologists, infectious diseases clinicians, pharmacists and basic, clinical and translational researchers interested in the microbial sciences. A particular emphasis is on basic, epidemiological and pharmacological aspects of infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance and therapeutics.
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Language: en

Genres: Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Science

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Static vs Cidal Antibiotics: Concepts Revisited
Episode 98
Tuesday, 8 July, 2025

A common description of antibiotic action aims to classify them between “bactericidal” or “bacteriostatic”. Although these phenomena have robust in vitro foundations, the clinical translation of these concepts is sometimes difficult to ascertain. This controversial topic has important conceptual ramifications to treat severe infections. Today, we will discuss this topic with an expert in field. Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/3z4BItBrzbk Topics discussed: The definitions of “cidal” vs “static” antibiotics The clinical applicability of the above terms in terms of antibiotic choice and syndromatic approaches antibiotic choices and the controversy between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics. Guest: Brad Spellberg, MD. Chief Medical Officer at the Los Angeles General Medical Center Links: ASM and IDSA launch the Interdisciplinary Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and Innovation (IMARI) in 2026 Watch this session on YouTube This episode is brought to you by the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Journal. Visit asm.org/aac to browse issues and/or submit a manuscript. If you plan to publish in AAC, ASM Members get up to 50% off publishing fees. Visit asm.org/joinasm to sign up.