Final answer:
The prefix 'CEF-' denotes cephalosporins, a class of beta-lactam antibiotics effective against various bacterial infections. Cephalosporins are categorized into generations that determine their bacterial targets and resistance to enzymes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prefix 'CEF-' is indicative of a class of antibiotics known as cephalosporins. These are beta-lactam antibiotics, which means they share a common chemical structure and are related to penicillins. These drugs are used to treat a wide variety of infections caused by bacteria. Cephalosporins are divided into generations, each with a slightly different range of bacterial targets and effectiveness.
For instance, cefalexin (also known as cephalexin) is a first-generation cephalosporin used for treating certain infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. The subsequent generations, from the second to the fifth, have increased activity against gram-negative bacteria with some variations in their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and their resistance to beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria to counteract beta-lactam antibiotics.