Antibiotics

Antibiotics are compounds derived from certain bacteria and fungi that are used to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. These compounds have been groundbreaking discoveries of the 20th century, revolutionising medicine and saving countless lives. Antibiotics primarily target bacteria, but some are also effective against protozoa and other microorganisms.

Antibiotics work by interfering with essential biological processes in microorganisms, such as:

1. Cell Wall Synthesis: Inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls (e.g., penicillin).
2. Protein Synthesis: blocking the production of proteins essential for bacterial survival (e.g., tetracycline).
3. DNA Replication: Disrupting bacterial DNA synthesis (e.g., Ciprofloxacin).
4. Cell Membrane Integrity: Damaging the bacterial cell membrane, leading to death (e.g., polymyxins).

Misuse of antibiotics, such as taking them without a prescription or not completing the prescribed course, can lead to antibiotic resistance. Resistant bacteria survive and multiply, making infections harder to treat and increasing the need for newer antibiotics.

Examples of resistant bacteria include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

1. To prevent bacterial infections during and after surgical procedures.
2. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, and pneumonia.
3. It is used in livestock farming to prevent infections, though overuse is discouraged due to resistance risks.
4. Some antibiotics, like Dactinomycin, are used in cancer chemotherapy for their ability to inhibit cell growth.