Antibiotics are medications used to fight bacterial infections. The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1927. The rate of death and illness from infectious diseases has decreased tremendously since their widespread use began in the middle of the 19th century. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “The term “antibiotic” originally referred to a natural compound produced by a fungus or another microorganism that kills bacteria which cause disease in humans or animals.” The CDC also reports that synthetic compounds have been produced which can kill or inhibit microbial growth.
According to the CDC, bacteria are single-celled organisms found living in and on our bodies, with the exception of the bloodstream and the spinal fluid. While most bacteria are not harmful, some cause illnesses such as strep throat, cholera, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Bacterial infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics, unlike viral infections, which are unaffected. According to Scientific American, antibiotics treat bacterial infections by targeting and destroying bacteria, not the cells of the host. “Antibiotics act either on processes that are unique to bacteria--such as the synthesis of cell walls or folic acid--or on bacterium-specific targets within processes that are common to both bacterium and human cells, including protein or DNA replication.”
A virus, according to Campbell, is a nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat. Viruses do not have the any of the structures found in cells, and cannot live outside the host cell. Campbell, states, “Viruses are not alive, but exist in a shady world between life-forms and chemicals.” Since viruses do not have the same structures or chemical composition as cells, they cannot be controlled with antibiotics.
The excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics can pose a health hazard for human populations. When an antibiotic is used to clear up a bacterial infection most of the bacteria are killed, but some of the resistant germs are not destroyed. This is especially common when a patient does not complete his or her full dose of antibiotics. According to the CDC, the resistant bacteria “change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of drugs, chemicals, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. Bacteria can develop the ability to neutralize the antibiotic before it can do harm, rapidly pump the antibiotic out or change the antibiotic attack site.” The new, antibiotic resistant bacteria are making many diseases increasing difficult to treat, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The NIAID states, “Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis and invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are just two recent examples of this problem that pose serious threats to domestic and global health.” Gooosnes and Ferech studied outpatient antibiotic use in Europe and compared it to the rate of antibiotic resistance. The study stated, “We showed higher rates of antibiotic resistance in high consuming countries, probably related to the higher consumption in southern and eastern Europe than in northern Europe.”
Antibacterial hand soaps and other bacterial products commonly use the chemicals triclosan and triclocarbon to kill bacteria. According to National Geographic, basic soap and water work by loosening and lifting dirt, oil and microbes from surfaces so they can be easily rinsed away with water. Cleansers such as alcohol, chlorine bleach, or hydrogen peroxide destroy cells nonspecifically, and then evaporate. Unlike soap and traditional cleansers, antibacterial soaps and cleansers leave a residue which creates a breeding ground for resistant bacteria. The new, resistant bacteria can also develop a tolerance for certain antibiotics. National Geographic reports that triclosan and triclocarbon are present in 60 percent of America’s rivers and streams. Although the contaminants are cleaned out of drinking water by wastewater plants, the residual sludge is used as a crop fertilizer, which could contaminate the food supply. Triclosan has also been discovered in breast milk as well as blood plasma in humans. The impact antibacterial cleaners have on the human body and the environment is currently undergoing further study, as are other methods for treating bacterial infection.
Cited References
Campbell NA, Reece JB and others. 2008. Biology. San Francisco: Pearson Benjamin Cummings. 381p.
Confronting the challenge of antimicrobial resistance [online article]. In: National institute of allergy and infectious diseases. c2008 [cited 2009 July 5]. Available from: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov
Gossens H, Fersch M and others.2005. Outpatient antibiotic use in europe and association with resistance: a cross-national database study. Lancet 365 (9459): 579-87. In: NCBI [online database]. c2005 [cited 2009 July 5]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.gov/pubmed/1578101
How do antibiotics kill bacterial cells but not human cells? [online article]. In: Scientific american. c2006 [cited 2009 July 5]. Available from: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-do-antibiotics-kill-b
Questions about bacteria, viruses and antibiotics [online article]. In: Centers for disease control and prevention. c2009 [cited 2009 July 5]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/anitbiotic-resistance-faqs.html
Strange but true: antibacterial products may do more harm than good [online article]. In: National geographic. c2007 [cited 2009 July 5]. Available from: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=strange-but-true-antibacterial-products-may-do-more-harm-than-good
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