Science
Antibiotics Explained
Discover what antibiotics are, how these powerful medicines fight bacterial infections, and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance.
What is it?
Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial drug used to treat and prevent bacterial infections. They function by either killing the bacteria (bactericidal) or inhibiting their growth and reproduction (bacteriostatic). Discovered by Alexander Fleming with penicillin in 1928, they revolutionized medicine, turning once-fatal infections into treatable conditions. It's crucial to understand that antibiotics are only effective against bacteria; they have no effect on viruses, such as those that cause the common cold or flu.
Why is it trending?
The primary reason antibiotics are a trending topic is the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria evolve and develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and agriculture have accelerated this process, leading to the emergence of "superbugs"—strains of bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics. This global health crisis threatens our ability to treat common infectious diseases, making it a major focus for scientists and public health organizations.
How does it affect people?
For individuals, antibiotics are life-saving medications that treat serious infections like pneumonia, sepsis, and strep throat. However, they can also have side effects, such as disrupting the natural balance of beneficial gut bacteria. On a broader scale, antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to everyone. It can make routine surgeries and cancer chemotherapy much riskier due to the increased danger of untreatable infections. If resistance continues to grow, we could return to a pre-antibiotic era where simple cuts or common illnesses could once again become fatal.