Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

An Overview on Antibiotics: Its Benefits and Risks

Gaofu Qi^* Department of Infectious Diseases, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
^*Correspondence: Gaofu Qi, Department of Infectious Diseases, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China, Email:

Received: 16-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-20815; Editor assigned: 19-Jan-2023, Pre QC No. JBP-23-20815 (PQ); Reviewed: 02-Feb-2023, QC No. JBP-23-20815; Revised: 09-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-20815 (R); Published: 16-Feb-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2155-9597.23.S20.038

Description

Antibiotics are powerful drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by destorying or slowing down the growth of bacteria, which can help to alleviate the symptoms of an infection and prevent its spread. Antibiotics are one of the most important classes of drugs that have been developed in modern medicine, and they have saved countless lives since their discovery in the early 20^th century.

There are many different types of antibiotics, and they are classified based on their mechanism of action and the type of bacteria they target.

Types of antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, ranging from mild ear infections to life-threatening illnesses such as sepsis.

Penicillins: This class of antibiotics includes drugs such as amoxicillin and ampicillin. They work by preventing the bacteria from building their cell walls, which leads to their death.

Cephalosporins: These drugs work in a similar way to penicillins, but they are more effective against certain types of bacteria. Examples of cephalosporins include cephalexin and ceftriaxone.

Macrolides: These antibiotics, such as azithromycin and erythromycin, work by preventing bacteria from making proteins, which are essential for their growth.

Tetracyclines: Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline and minocycline, work by preventing the bacteria from producing proteins, which slows their growth.

Fluoroquinolones: These antibiotics, like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, work by blocking the enzymes that bacteria need to replicate their DNA, which stops their growth.

Most common conditions that antibiotics are used to treat

Urinary tract infections: Antibiotics are often used to treat UTIs, which are caused by bacteria that have entered the urinary tract.

Respiratory infections: Antibiotics can be used to treat respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

Skin infections: Antibiotics are used to treat skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and acne.

Sexually transmitted infections: Antibiotics can be used to treat STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Bacterial meningitis: This is a serious infection that affects the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis, which can be lifethreatening.

Septicemia: This is a serious bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure and death.

While antibiotics are highly effective at treating bacterial infections, they can also have a number of side effects and risks. One of the biggest risks associated with antibiotics is the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This occurs when bacteria mutate and become resistant to the antibiotics that are used to treat them. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be very difficult to treat.

In addition to the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotics can also cause a range of other side effects. Some of the most common side effects of antibiotics include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Allergic reactions

• Yeast infections

• Photosensitivity

• Kidney damage

• Liver damage

• Blood disorders

• Nervous system disorders

• Hearing loss

• Tendinitis