Professional Documents
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Bio Project
Bio Project
Bio Project
CLASS
11TH SCIENCE
SUBJECT
BIOLOGY
TOPIC
To Study of Drug Resistance in Bacteria
Using Antibiotics
To Study of Drug Resistance in Bacteria Using
Antibiotics
Abstract
An antibiotic is an agent that either kills or inhibits the growth of a microorganism. The term
antibiotic was first used in 1942 by Selman Waksman and his collaborators in journal articles to
describe any substance produced by a microorganism that is antagonistic to the growth of other
microorganisms in high dilution. This definition excluded substances that kill bacteria but that are
not produced by microorganisms (such as gastric juices and hydrogen peroxide). It also excluded
synthetic antibacterial compounds such as the sulphonamides. Many antibacterial compounds
are relatively small molecules with a molecular weight of less than 2000 atomic mass units.
With advances in medicinal chemistry, most modern antibacterial are semi synthetic
modifications of various natural compounds. These include, for example, the beta-lactam
antibiotics, which include the penicillin (produced by fungi in the genus Penicillium), the
cephalosporin, and the carbapenems. Compounds that are still isolated from living organisms are
the amino glycosides, whereas other antibacterial—for example, the sulphonamides, the
quinolones, and the oxazolidinones—are produced solely by chemical synthesis.
In accordance with this, many antibacterial compounds are classified on the basis of
chemical/biosynthetic origin into natural, semi synthetic, and synthetic. Another classification
system is based on biological activity; in this classification, antibacterial are divided into two
broad groups according to their biological effect on microorganisms: Bactericidal agents kill
bacteria, and bacteriostatic agents slow down or stall bacterial growth.
While antibiotics should be used to treat bacterial infections, they are not effective against viral
infections like the common cold, most sore throats, and the flu. Widespread use of antibiotics
promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance. Smart use of antibiotics is the key to controlling the
spread of resistance.
Resistant infections also place a burden on individuals and the medical system. Research shows
that resistant infections can lead to longer hospital stays, more doctor visits, longer recovery
times, and higher medical expenses. Antibiotic resistance has been shown to place a $20 billion
burden on the healthcare system annually.
When alternative drugs are available to treat resistant infections, they can be less effective,
produce more side-effects (more toxic), and can be more expensive.
Without effective ways to treat infections, medical procedures such as organ transplants,
chemotherapy, and major surgeries become higher risk.
Antibiotic resistant bacteria can cause infections that are hard-to-treat or untreatable. Examples
include: