Cephalexin is primarily used in treating infections caused by which type of organism?

Cephalexin is classified as a cephalosporin antibiotic and is primarily effective against bacteria. Its mechanism involves inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, which ultimately leads to the death of the bacteria. Cephalexin is commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections, including skin infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections.

The other options focus on different types of organisms that cephalexin is not designed to combat. Fungi and viruses have distinct biological structures and life cycles that require different types of medications. Antifungal agents target the unique components found in fungal cells, while antiviral medications focus on inhibiting the replication of viruses. Similarly, parasitic infections are treated with antiparasitic drugs that specifically address the life processes of parasites. Since cephalexin targets bacteria specifically, it is not effective against these other organisms. This specificity in function underscores its primary use in treating bacterial infections.