The present invention relates to quinolinium antiinfective agents in which the qunolinium nucleus is fused to an indole ring or the qunolinium nucleus is linked to a cyclic structure through an opened indole or a benzothiophene or benzofuran ring. The compound is further substituted with various substituent groups.The compounds are represented by formula (I), (II) and (III):Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also included.