What type of infections do aminoglycosides typically target?

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics primarily used to treat serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, as well as certain bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotic classes. They are effective against severe, life-threatening infections such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and Klebsiella species. Because of their potency and the potential for significant side effects—such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity—aminoglycosides are often reserved for cases where other antibiotics have failed or for infections that are known to be particularly difficult to treat.

This class of antibiotics is typically not utilized for acute mild infections because such cases often can be managed with less aggressive treatment options. Likewise, they are not suitable for chronic infections, which may require long-term management strategies, nor are they indicated for non-infectious inflammatory conditions, as these do not involve bacterial pathogens. Thus, their primary use aligns with targeting serious and resistant infections, making the chosen answer the most appropriate one.