Which of the following statements is correct?

• A. The word "chemotherapy" technically describes any chemical-based medicine, but the term is usually reserved for antimicrobials.
• B. The term "antimicrobial" is reserved for drugs that are effective against non-bacterial pathogens.
• C. The term "antibiotic" technically means that the drug is produced by an organism but is usually used to mean any antibacterial drug.
• D. "Antibacterials" are chemicals used for disinfecting surfaces and objects. while "antibiotics" refer to drugs that kill bacteria.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of 'chemotherapy' in microbiology. Chemotherapy refers broadly to the use of chemical substances to treat diseases, which includes any chemical-based medicine, not just antimicrobials.
2. Step 2: Clarify the meaning of 'antimicrobial.' Antimicrobials are agents that act against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—not just non-bacterial pathogens.
3. Step 3: Examine the term 'antibiotic.' Technically, antibiotics are substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit or kill other microorganisms, primarily bacteria. However, in common usage, 'antibiotic' often refers to any antibacterial drug, regardless of its origin.
4. Step 4: Differentiate between 'antibacterials' and 'antibiotics.' Antibacterials include all agents that kill or inhibit bacteria, which can be antibiotics or synthetic chemicals. Antibacterials used for disinfecting surfaces are not the same as antibiotics, which are used internally to treat bacterial infections.
5. Step 5: Based on these clarifications, identify the correct statement: The term 'antibiotic' technically means a drug produced by an organism but is usually used to mean any antibacterial drug.