Antibiotics Administered In Human Medicine Work Against Bacterial Infections By
Antibiotics are a type of medication that is used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing the bacteria or stopping them from multiplying. Antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of infections, from minor ear infections to life-threatening bloodstream infections. The use of antibiotics has revolutionized medicine, saving countless lives since their discovery in the early 20th century.
How Do Antibiotics Work?
Antibiotics work by targeting the specific structures or processes that are unique to bacteria. For example, some antibiotics interfere with the bacteria’s ability to make proteins, while others disrupt the cell wall that surrounds the bacteria. Some antibiotics prevent the bacteria from reproducing by interfering with their DNA.
Antibiotics are selective in their action, meaning that they target only certain types of bacteria. This is why it is important to accurately diagnose the type of infection before prescribing antibiotics. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become resistant to the medication and can no longer be effectively treated.
Types Of Antibiotics
There are many different types of antibiotics, each with their own mechanism of action and spectrum of activity. Some common types of antibiotics include:
- Penicillins: This group of antibiotics includes amoxicillin and penicillin. They work by preventing bacteria from forming their cell walls, causing them to burst.
- Cephalosporins: These antibiotics are similar to penicillins in their mechanism of action, but are effective against a broader range of bacteria.
- Macrolides: These antibiotics include erythromycin and azithromycin. They work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
- Tetracyclines: These antibiotics include doxycycline and minocycline. They work by preventing bacteria from making proteins.
- Fluoroquinolones: These antibiotics include ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. They work by interfering with bacterial DNA replication and repair.
Common Uses Of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Strep throat
- Urinary tract infections
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Bloodstream infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea)
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu. In fact, overuse of antibiotics to treat viral infections can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to become resistant to the antibiotics that are used to treat them. This can happen when bacteria acquire genes that allow them to break down or inactivate antibiotics, or when they develop mutations that make them less susceptible to the medication.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem worldwide, and it is largely due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. When antibiotics are used unnecessarily or inappropriately (such as for viral infections), they can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This can lead to infections that are difficult or impossible to treat, and can result in increased illness, disability, and death.
Conclusion
Antibiotics are a vital tool in the fight against bacterial infections. They work by targeting specific structures or processes within bacteria, and are selective in their action. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, a growing problem worldwide. It is important to use antibiotics judiciously, and to accurately diagnose the type of infection before prescribing antibiotics.