causing bacteriostasis; -- said of chemical substances, such as certain antibacterial agents. [
PJC]
" Substances, such as antibiotics, which inhibit bacterial growth are usually classified as bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal depending on the rate at which bacteria exposed to the agents{4} die. The rates of death of bacteria exposed to antibacterial agents{4} are, however, dependent on the concentration of the agent{4}, and form a continuum with some antibacterial agents{4} of intermediate type. The penicillins are considered as typical bactericidal agents, and chloramphenicol or the sulfa drugs as typical bacteriostatic agents. In general, inhibitors of cell-wall synthesis will be bactericidal and many inhibitors of protein synthesis are classed as bacteriostatic, but some of the aminoglycosides also kill bacteria rapidly."
[PJC]