Antibiotic - Definition, Types, Side Effects, Discovery, Do's & Don'ts

Antibiotics Definition

• Definition of Antibiotics refers to chemicals that can kill or stop bacteria development and are a crucial part of medical treatment.

• Several varieties of drugs employed for humans and animals by antibiotics definition are meant to fight bacterial infections.

• Understanding the antibiotics definition is important to recognize if such an antibiotic is effective against a certain pathogen but is ineffective against viruses.

• In the context of the health sector, the antibiotics definition underscores the need for prudent use to avert the development of resistance.

• The antibiotics are also defined according to their mechanism of action and spectrum of activity.

Antibiotics Names

Antibiotics examples include a wide range of medications that are used to treat bacterial infections effectively. Antibiotics are crucial medications used to treat bacterial infections and some parasitic diseases. They function by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, making them essential in modern medicine. Below is a table listing various antibiotics names along with their classifications and common uses.

These antibiotics names represent a variety of classes and are used to combat different types of bacterial infections effectively. Proper use of antibiotics is vital to minimize resistance and ensure their continued efficacy in treating infections. Understanding what are antibiotics can help patients make informed decisions about their health and recognize the importance of completing prescribed treatments.

History Of Antibiotic

In 1910 the first antibiotic, salvarsan was developed by scientist Paul Ehrlich. Salvarsan antibiotics are made up of arsenic compounds. This antibiotic is used as a remedy for syphilis disease. But in 1928 a true antibiotic was discovered by Alexander Fleming, named penicillin.

Discovery Of Antibiotic

Alexander Fleming discovered this antibiotic accidentally, when he was doing their work he found mold preventing growth of staphylococcus aureus by producing such type of chemical compound; after that he studied and identified the chemical compound and he discovered a novel penicillin antibiotic. So, he formed this penicillin with the help of bacteria and fungi.

Selman Abraham Waksman is the father of antibiotics and he discovered 20 natural antibiotics including streptomycin. Streptomycin is effective against tuberculosis disease.

Antibiotics Classification

Antibiotics are classified based on their mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, and chemical structure. Understanding the antibiotics classification of antibiotics is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment for bacterial infections. Below is a table that outlines various antibiotics classifications, and examples.

These antibiotics names represent a diverse range of classes that target bacteria in different ways. Proper classification of antibiotics is crucial for effective treatment and minimizing resistance. Understanding antibiotics names and antibiotics classification helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions in treating infections.

Antibiotics Drugs Name

Antibiotics are a class of drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Some common antibiotics include amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin, each serving specific medical purposes based on the type of infection. Understanding the names of these antibiotics is crucial for effective treatment and management of bacterial diseases.

Effectiveness Of Penicillin

Generally penicillin is used for the treatment of infection caused by the pathogenic bacteria. Each type of antibiotic is used for specific infection treatment. It works by two ways, first - it can kill the bacteria and second - by preventing the growth of bacteria.

Types Of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are categorized into several types, each with unique mechanisms of action and use. Understanding the different types of antibiotics is essential for effective treatment of bacterial infections.

Production Of Antibiotic

Generally, antibiotics are produced by the fermentation process by using bacteria or fungi, and can be synthesized by using chemicals. Antibiotics are produced by the batch fermentation process. Bacteria produce antibiotics as secondary metabolites during their growth.

Steps of production:-

1. Production of antibiotics by the fermentation process, and

2. Chemically synthesis of antibiotics.

A. Production of antibiotics by fermentation process

Following are the general steps for the production of antibiotics by the fermentation process.

1. Culture isolation

Isolation of starter culture according to antibiotic production is required. Culture transferred into nutritive media.

2. Fermentation process

Transfer of fermenting material within the batch fermentor and incubation with controlled environment such as temperature, pH, aeration and agitation, and availability of nutrition.

3. Isolation and Purification

It can be done by the use of water, oil, and organic solvents. For example, pentyl acetate (is an organic solvent) used in the purification of erythromycin antibiotic purification.

4. Packaging

Antibiotics can be packed in the form of a capsule, or tablet and filled within the vials.

B. Chemically synthesis of antibiotics

In the process of chemical production of antibiotics, the only difference is instead of nutritive median and starter culture we use chemicals.

Mode Of Action

Antibiotic affects bacteria in the following ways such as,

1. Inhibition of cell wall synthesis

2. Change in cell membrane potential

3. Inhibits protein synthesis process

4. Inhibits nucleic acid synthesis

5. Inhibits metabolic pathway of bacteria

Uses Of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are crucial medications used to treat various bacterial infections, effectively killing or inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. The uses of antibiotics include treating conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Understanding the specific uses of antibiotics helps healthcare professionals select the appropriate treatment for their patients.

Types of antibiotics encompass a wide range of medications that target different bacteria based on their mechanisms of action. Each type is designed for specific bacterial infections, making it essential to choose the right antibiotic for effective treatment.

Antibiotics Side Effects

Antibiotics can cause a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions such as rashes or more serious conditions like anaphylaxis. Understanding the potential side effects of antibiotics is essential for safe and effective treatment.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for Antibiotics

To effectively study the topic of Antibiotics: Types, Side Effects, Do's & Don'ts, consider these strategies:

Weightage of Antibiotics in Different Entrance Exams

Knowing the weightage of this topic helps prioritize your study efforts. Here’s how it is weighted across various entrance exams:

Types of Questions Asked on the Topic Antibiotics in Different Exams

Familiarizing yourself with the types of questions can help you prepare more effectively. Here’s a summary of the types of questions that may be asked across various exams:

By utilizing these tips and understanding the exam weightage and question types, you can enhance your preparation for the topic of Antibiotics.

MCQs on Antibiotics

Q1. Antibiotics are mostly obtained from?

1. Bacteria

2. Viruses

3. Angiosperms

4. Fungi

Correct answer: 1) Bacteria

Explanation:

Antibodies are not primarily produced by bacteria but rather by specialized white blood cells called B lymphocytes or B cells, which can recognize antigens, which include bacteria and viruses. When an antigen enters the body, B cells recognize it, proliferate, and then differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies specific to that antigen. Although some antibodies can be created in bacterial systems in laboratories for therapeutic use, in nature, the source is the immune system of animals; more so, in this case, humans.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Bacteria.

Q2. Which of the following statements regarding antibiotics is not correct?

(i) Antibiotics are attenuated microorganisms which in small concentrations can kill or retard the growth of other harmful microorganisms

(ii) Penicillin was the first antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming (1928) while working on bacterium Staphylococcus aureus

(iii) The full potential of penicillin as an effective antibiotic was established by Ernest Chain and Howard Florey

(iv) Fleming, Chain and Florey were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1945

1. (i) only

2. (iii) only

3. (ii) and (iv)

4. (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Correct answer: 1) (i) only

Explanation:

Microbes play a crucial role in various industries, synthesizing valuable products such as beverages, antibiotics, enzymes, organic acids, and biofuels. In the beverage industry, yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferment sugars to produce alcoholic drinks like beer and wine, while lactic acid bacteria help in dairy product formation. Antibiotics such as penicillin (Penicillium notatum) and streptomycin (Streptomyces griseus) are derived from microbes to combat bacterial infections. Industrially important enzymes, like amylases from Bacillus subtilis, aid in food and detergent production, while Aspergillus niger produces citric acid for food preservation. Additionally, microbes contribute to biofuel production, with Saccharomyces species fermenting sugars into ethanol, making them essential for sustainable energy solutions.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1 (i) only.

Q3. Which one of the following population interactions is widely used in medical science for the production of antibiotics?

1. Parasitism

2. Mutualism

3. Commensalism

4. Amensalism

Correct answer: 4) Amensalism

Explanation:

Microbes in Industrial Products: Antibiotics -

Antibiotics are chemical substances, which are produced by some microbes and can kill or retard the growth of other (disease-causing) microbes. e.g., the antibiotic Penicillin. Antibiotics are chemicals secreted by one microbial group (eg: Penicillium) which harm other microbes (eg: Staphylococcus). It does not affect Penicillium or the organism which produces it.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Amensalism.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Microbes Role in Industrial Products

• Plant Breeding

• Biofuel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms that kill or inhibit the growth of other harmful microorganisms, especially bacteria.

Q2. Who discovered antibiotics?
Antibiotics were discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 with the discovery of penicillin.

Q3. What are antibiotics based on mechanisms of action?
Antibiotics are based on mechanism of action, antibiotics are classified as cell wall synthesis inhibitors, protein synthesis inhibitors, nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors, and metabolic pathway inhibitors.

Q4. What are first generation antibiotics?
First-generation antibiotics are the earliest developed antibiotics that are effective mainly against gram-positive bacteria, such as first-generation cephalosporins.

Q5. What organisms do antibiotics target?
Antibiotics mainly target bacteria, and they are generally ineffective against viruses and fungi.