Final answer:
Antibiotics can affect both specific bacterial species and a wide range of taxonomic groups. Some antibiotics are narrow spectrum, targeting only specific bacteria, while others are broad spectrum, targeting a wider range of bacteria. The preferred approach in medicine is to start with a narrow spectrum antibiotic to minimize damage to the body's microbiota and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibiotics can affect both specific bacterial species as well as a wide range of taxonomic groups. Some antibiotics, like isoniazid, are only effective against a narrow spectrum of bacteria, such as mycobacteria. These are known as narrow spectrum antibiotics. On the other hand, broad spectrum antibiotics are effective against a wide range of bacteria. The preferred approach in medicine is to start with a narrow spectrum antibiotic to minimize damage to the body's microbiota and decrease the risk of antibiotic resistance.