What does bacteriostatic mean?

Bacteriostatic refers to agents that inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria without necessarily killing them. This means that the bacteria are prevented from multiplying, allowing the host's immune system to eliminate the infection more effectively.

The key characteristic of bacteriostatic agents is that they maintain the bacterial population at a stable level rather than reducing their numbers directly. This is important in medical treatments where keeping bacterial growth in check can lead to improved patient outcomes.

In summary, the correct answer highlights the primary function of bacteriostatic agents, which is to inhibit bacterial growth rather than killing the bacteria directly, allowing for a more controlled treatment of bacterial infections.