Which cephalosporin has strong anaerobic coverage and is often used in mixed intra-abdominal infections?

Prepare for the Antibacterials (ABX) Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your test!

Understanding which cephalosporin covers anaerobes helps explain why cefoxitin fits mixed intra-abdominal infections best. Cefoxitin is a second-generation cephalosporin with reliable activity against anaerobic bacteria (notably Bacteroides species) in addition to many common Gram-negative rods. That combination makes it well suited for infections where both aerobic and anaerobic organisms are involved, such as mixed intra-abdominal infections. The other drugs listed lack strong anaerobic activity: some provide broad Gram-negative or Gram-positive coverage but do not reliably cover anaerobes, while one has excellent Gram-negative activity but little to no anaerobic coverage. So cefoxitin stands out because its spectrum includes anaerobes, aligning with the needs of mixed intra-abdominal infections.