You antibiotics can be defined as natural compounds — when produced by fungi or bacteria — or synthetics capable of interfering with bacterial growth or causing the death of these beings. When they cause the bacteria to die, they are called bactericides, but when they only inhibit its growth, they are called bacteriostatics.
The first antibiotic discovered was the penicillin, which had its action known by chance during the studies of Alexander Fleming, in 1928. The researcher has forgotten a culture of Staphylococcus aureus on the table and left for his vacation. When he returned, the culture plates were full of mold and he could see the presence of a transparent halo around the fungus.. Fleming then related the halo to a possible lysis of the bacteria, thus realizing that the fungus was capable of killing them. The fungus identified as penicillium named the antibiotic penicillin.
Despite being discovered in 1928, penicillin was only used in humans in 1940. This was the beginning of a new era for medicine, as it would be possible to control diseases that often led to death, such as
tuberculosis.Since the discovery of penicillin, several other antibiotics have been discovered, each one acting in a different way. There are antibiotics that act by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, others act by inhibiting protein synthesis, and there are still those that act by inhibiting bacterial nucleic acid synthesis. It is important to note that antibiotics have no role in diseases caused by viruses.
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The use of antibiotics is a great way to fight diseases caused by bacteria, however, the uncontrolled use of these drugs is causing a serious problem: a Bacterial resistance. This resistance diminishes effective drugs against a particular infection. This increases the length of hospital stays and the use of expensive and stronger medications.
Due to the high rate of Bacterial resistance and of deaths from infectious diseases, there is a great need for tests with new antibiotics to fight infections. It is also important that studies are carried out to discover drugs that differ from those currently used and that the population becomes aware of the risks of using over-the-counter medications and without following the recommendations of this professional.
The proper use of antibiotics, however, is not just a problem for the patient. The prescription of an antibiotic should be carefully evaluated by the physician, as it can increase bacterial resistance and even lead to death.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "What is an antibiotic?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/biologia/o-que-e-antibiotico.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
