Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance

What are Antibiotics?

• Antibiotics are medications that destroy or slow the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
• They are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.

Types of Antibiotics

• Bactericidal: Kill bacteria directly (e.g., penicillin, ampicillin).
• Bacteriostatic: Inhibit bacterial growth, but do not kill bacteria directly (e.g., tetracycline, erythromycin).
• Broad-spectrum: Effective against a wide range of bacteria (e.g., amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin).
• Narrow-spectrum: Effective against a specific type of bacteria (e.g., vancomycin, metronidazole).

Mechanisms of Action

• Inhibit cell wall formation: Interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing the cell to weaken and eventually die (e.g., penicillin).
• Inhibit protein synthesis: Interfere with bacterial protein synthesis, necessary for cell growth and reproduction (e.g., tetracycline).
• Inhibit DNA replication: Interfere with bacterial DNA replication, necessary for cell growth and reproduction (e.g., ciprofloxacin).

Antibiotic Resistance

• Definition: The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics.
• Causes:
  • Overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
  • Genetic mutation and adaptation of bacteria.
  • Inadequate infection control practices.
• Consequences: Reduced effectiveness of antibiotics, increased risk of treatment failure, and increased risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Side Effects and Interactions

• Common side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and yeast infections.
• Interactions: May interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, and may affect the efficacy of birth control pills.

Antibiotic Use and Stewardship

• Appropriate use: Only use antibiotics when necessary, and choose the appropriate antibiotic based on the type of infection.
• Antibiotic stewardship: A coordinated effort to promote the responsible use of antibiotics, reduce antibiotic resistance, and improve patient outcomes.