What is a key feature of meropenem?

Meropenem is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic that belongs to the carbapenem class. One of its significant characteristics is its potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common and often difficult-to-treat pathogen in various infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those with healthcare-associated infections. This effectiveness against Pseudomonas makes meropenem a vital option in the treatment of severe infections caused by this organism, especially when other antibiotics might not be effective due to resistance.

The other options do not accurately reflect the properties of meropenem. It does have activity against Pseudomonas, it is not effective against viral infections—being an antibiotic it targets bacteria, and it is classified as a carbapenem rather than a third-generation cephalosporin. These distinctions highlight the specific role of meropenem in clinical practice, especially in managing infections from resistant Gram-negative bacteria.