Its not always obvious whether an infection is viral or bacterial. Why is it important to take antibiotics when needed? Antibiotics might kill the bacteria, but the toxins remain in the body and continue to cause damage. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Recombinant DNA technology helps in producing genetically improved antibiotic strain. Infections can affect the skin, mouth, eyes, ears, urinary tract, lungs, and other organs. Therefore, it is critically important to take antibiotics only when necessary. When you take an antibiotic you do not need, you are unnecessarily exposed to the side effects of the drug and do not get any benefit from it. Nausea. Some viruses cause symptoms that resemble bacterial infections, and some bacteria can cause symptoms that resemble viral infections. Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern often unpredictable. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and chloramphenicol, affect both gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. This is a chemical process which is induced by the microorganisms in a large tank. Before scientists first discovered antibiotics in the 1920s, many people died from minor bacterial infections, like strep throat. Today, two types of antimicrobial therapies are available: Penicillin was first ever true antibiotic and it was discovered by a Scottish bacteriologist, Alexander Fleming in 1928. This article explains what antibiotics are, how they work, potential side effects, and antibiotic resistance. (The terms gram-positive and gram-negative are used to distinguish between bacteria that have cell walls consisting of a thick meshwork of peptidoglycan [a peptide-sugar polymer] and bacteria that have cell walls with only a thin peptidoglycan layer, respectively.). Because other cells, including human cells, have similar or identical phospholipids, these antibiotics are somewhat toxic. Women can also get vaginal yeast infections while taking antibiotics. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. This was not always the case. They are the most common cause of emergency department visits for children under 18 years of age. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: We take your privacy seriously. Antibiotics do not work against these viruses. For some patients, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu). //

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