Some Antibiotic Remedies

Antibiotics is an organic substance synthesized by microorganisms or at lab. It destroys the microorganisms or slow their activity. Antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases or to prevent them.

Magnification of penicillin

In 1928, when bacteriologist Alexander Fleming discovered the germ-killing properties of the "mold juice" secreted by penicillin, he knew that it could have profound medical value. But Fleming could not make enough penicillin to be useful in practice, and his discovery was dismissed as a mere laboratory curiosity.

A decade would pass before a team of scientists at Oxford University rediscovered Fleming's work and revived research into the bacteria-killing mold. Although there was growing evidence of penicillin's effectiveness, the British, who were by then under bombardment as World War II raged, were unable to carry out the necessary research. The Oxford team turned to America for help. Inspired by the possibility of saving lives and of producing the world's first "wonder drug," Pfizer offered its assistance.

1928 - Discovery of Antibiotic Properties

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How do antibiotics work against infectious diseases?

Antibiotics action is specific to a certain bacteria. Each antibiotics group serve as a drug  against deferent kinds of microorganisms.

Antibiotics treatment

Antibiotics could be administrating mouthy, throw the veins or the muscle.

Antibiotic resistance

Some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics because they have enzymes that can destroy the antibiotics or because of genetic mutation that allow them to grow despite the antibiotics. 

Why should we be concerned about antibiotic resistance?

In recent years, resistance to antibiotics has become a real threat to human health. This is because the increasing number of microorganisms that have become resistant to antibiotics are violent and untreatable.
Overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of resistant bacteria. Many strains of bacteria have become resistant to most of the available drugs meant to destroy them. Much of this resistance is due to overuse of antibiotics. About a third of the 150 million antibiotic prescriptions written each year are inappropriate. One study found that as many as 70% of patients with colds and upper respiratory tract infections and other ailments most often caused by viruses (which can’t be treated with antibiotics), were prescribed antibiotics anyway. Some experts suggest that eventually, so many bacteria will develop resistance that antibiotics won't work and hospitals will be filled with people dying from infections, as they were in the 1920s.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 to 50% of all outpatient antibiotic prescriptions and 25 to 45% of hospital-prescribed antibiotics are inappropriate.

What can we do to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance?

·         Avoid antibiotics unless they are clearly needed.

·         Do not take antibiotics without the advice of a doctor.

·         Always finish the full course of your antibiotic prescription, even if your symptoms disappear.

·         Do not save antibiotics for next time.

·         When visiting your doctor do not demand antibiotics.

To expand your knowledge on antibiotic resistance, go to the following websites

http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/medicine/penicillin/readmore.htm

Penicillin

Virtual lab   Press on The Effects of Antibiotics on Bacterial Growth