Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance

• Antibiotics slow down and stop the growth of bacteria.
• Antibiotics kill the pathogen.
• antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. THEY DO NOT WORK AGAINST VIRUSES!!!
• The first antibiotic discovered was penicillin.
• It was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
• Penicillin is made by penicillium mold.
• Antibiotics damage the bacteria cells.
• Viral diseases cannot be cured by antibiotics as they reproduce inside the host.
• antibiotics are becoming less effective as:

  -they are being overused.

  -people are failing to complete the full course.

  -used in farming.
• This will lead to antibiotic resistance.
• Resistant bacteria is also known as a superbug.
• 4 measures to prevent the spread of MRSA:

  -wash hands regularly.

  -thorough cleaning of hospital wards.

  -alcohol gel.

  -MRSA screening