What is the meaning of bacteriostatic?

The term "bacteriostatic" refers to substances or treatments that inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria without killing them. This means that a bacteriostatic agent effectively slows down bacterial proliferation, allowing the immune system to control the infection more effectively.

Bacteriostatic agents are often used in various medical treatments, especially when permanent bacterial eradication is not the primary goal. By reducing the growth of bacteria, they help prevent infections from worsening and provide time for the body's immune defenses to eliminate the bacteria. This mechanism is particularly useful in treating bacterial infections where complete eradication may not be immediately necessary or desired.

In contrast, options that involve killing bacteria directly, stimulating an immune response, or causing degeneration do not accurately describe the action of bacteriostatic agents, as they specifically focus on controlling growth instead of either terminating the organisms or triggering other biological reactions.