Which cephalosporins are effective against respiratory anaerobes?

Cefoxitin and Cefotetan are second-generation cephalosporins that are particularly effective against respiratory anaerobes, such as Bacteroides species. This effectiveness stems from their unique structure, which allows them to penetrate and exert activity against these anaerobic bacteria that often inhabit both the oral cavity and the gastrointestinal tract.

Second-generation cephalosporins are designed with a broader spectrum of activity compared to their first-generation counterparts, primarily targeting gram-negative bacteria and anaerobes. Cefoxitin and Cefotetan are known for their ability to combat infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, which is crucial in the management of intra-abdominal infections and some respiratory infections where such organisms might play a role.

In contrast, the other options include cephalosporins that do not possess significant anaerobic coverage. For example, cefepime and ceftazidime (from the fourth generation) primarily focus on gram-negative aerobic bacteria and have minimal activity against anaerobes. Similarly, cefazolin and cefalexin (first-generation cephalosporins) are more effective against gram-positive bacteria and certain gram-negative organisms, but lack adequate effectiveness against anaerobes. Lastly, while cefotaxime and ceftriaxone (