Final answer:
Fluoroquinolones cover bacterial infections and work by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase, blocking DNA replication. They are primarily effective against Gram-negative bacteria but also some Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria. They are not effective against viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bug that fluoroquinolones cover is 1) Bacteria. Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®) and ofloxacin (Floxin®), are a class of synthetic antimicrobials that target bacterial infections. They achieve their antibacterial effect by inhibiting the activity of bacterial enzymes called DNA gyrase (topoisomerase type II) and topoisomerase IV. These enzymes are crucial for DNA replication as they are involved in unwinding the DNA helix; fluoroquinolones block this unwinding process thereby hindering bacterial replication. This mechanism is particularly effective against Gram-negative bacteria, though newer generations of fluoroquinolones also work against Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria. It's important to note that these drugs are not effective against viruses, fungi, or parasites and are typically used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, abdominal infections, and skin infections.