What does treatment with Bactrim target specifically?

Bactrim, which is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, is specifically designed to target bacterial infections. It functions by inhibiting bacterial folic acid synthesis, which is essential for the production of nucleic acids and ultimately for bacterial growth and replication. This targeted mechanism makes Bactrim effective against a wide variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, especially those causing respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal infections. Bactrim is not effective against viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, as these pathogens have different structural and metabolic characteristics that do not rely on bacterial folic acid synthesis. Therefore, the correct focus for Bactrim's therapeutic application is on bacterial infections.