Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying.
Key Points About Antibiotics
Effective only against bacteria – not viruses (so they don’t work for colds, flu, most sore throats, COVID, etc.)
✔️ Different types target different bacteria, so doctors choose the right one based on the infection.
Must be taken exactly as prescribed to fully clear the infection.
✔️ Stopping early or taking them incorrectly can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become stronger and harder to treat.
Common infectionstreated with antibiotics
Bacterial pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Skin infections Strep throat
1. Natural genetic changes (mutations) Bacteria multiply very fast. During this process, random mutations can occur. Some mutations accidentally give a bacterium the ability to survive an antibiotic.
2. Incomplete or improper use of antibiotics
Human misuse speeds up resistance. Examples:
✔ Not completing the full course Some bacteria survive and become stronger → they multiply → resistance spreads.
✔ Taking antibiotics for viral infections No effect on viruses, but exposes your normal bacteria to antibiotics → they develop resistance.
Using leftover or someone else’s antibiotics Wrong antibiotic or dose → bacteria learn to survive.
✔ Overuse in humans and animals More exposure = more chances for bacteria to become resistant.
3. Sharing resistance between bacteria Bacteria can transfer resistance genes to each other through plasmids (tiny DNA pieces). This is like bacteria “teaching” other bacteria how to survive antibiotics.
4. Resistant bacteria spread in the community Resistant bacteria can spread: Between people Through food (especially from animals given antibiotics) In hospitals Through contaminated water or surfaces
Why this is dangerous Antibiotic
-resistant infections: Are harder to treat Need stronger or more toxic medicines Take longer to cure Can become life-threatening Increase hospital stays and costs
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