Ceftaroline is which generation of cephalosporins?

• A. 3rd gen
• B. 4th gen
• C. 5th gen
• D. 6th gen

Answer: (C)

Ceftaroline is a fifth-generation cephalosporin. The generations of cephalosporins reflect evolving microbial coverage, with later generations expanding activity against Gram-negatives while adding potent activity against certain resistant Gram-positives. The hallmark of the fifth generation is reliable activity against MRSA, achieved by ceftaroline’s strong binding to PBP2a, the altered penicillin-binding protein MRSA uses for resistance. This sets ceftaroline apart from earlier generations, which do not effectively cover MRSA, while still offering useful activity against common Streptococcus species and many Enterobacteriaceae. It does not reliably cover Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which helps distinguish its profile from some other newer agents, fitting the fifth-generation classification.