Introduction

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by killing the bacteria or by making it hard for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Antibiotics can be taken in different ways: Orally (by mouth). This could be pills, capsules, or liquids, topically. This might be a cream, spray, or ointment that you put on your skin. It could also be eye or ear drops and through an injection or Intra-Venously (IV). This is usually for more serious infections.

Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and E. coli. You may not need to take antibiotics for some bacterial infections. For example, you might not need them for many sinus infections or some ear infections. Taking antibiotics when they're not needed won't help you, and they can have side effects. Your health care provider can decide the best treatment for you when you're sick. Don't pressure your provider to prescribe an antibiotic for you.

Antibiotics are a common medication that doctors prescribe to fight bacteria. Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight certain infections and can save lives when used properly. They either stop bacteria from reproducing or destroy them. Before bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms, the immune system can typically kill them. White blood cells (WBCs) attack harmful bacteria and, even if symptoms do occur, the immune system can usually cope and fight off the infection. Sometimes, however, the number of harmful bacteria is excessive, and the immune system cannot fight them all. Antibiotics are useful in this scenario.

Uses of antibiotics

A doctor prescribes antibiotics for the treatment of a bacterial infection. It is not effective against viruses. Know whether an infection is bacterial or viral helps to effectively treat it. Viruses cause most Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs), such as the common cold and flu. Antibiotics do not work against these viruses. If people overuse antibiotics or use them incorrectly, the bacteria might become resistant. This means that the antibiotic becomes less effective against that type of bacterium, as the bacterium has been able to improve its defenses.

A doctor can prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat a wide range of infections. A narrow-spectrum antibiotic is only effective against a few types of bacteria. Some antibiotics attack aerobic bacteria, while others work against anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen and anaerobic bacteria do not. In some cases, a healthcare professional may provide antibiotics to prevent rather than treat an infection, as might be the case before surgery. This is the ‘prophylactic’ use of antibiotics. People commonly use these antibiotics before bowel and orthopedic surgery.

Side Effects

Antibiotics commonly cause the following side effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, upset stomach with certain antibiotics or prolonged use, fungal infections of the mouth, digestive tract, and vagina. Less common side effects of antibiotics include: formation of kidney stones, when taking sulphonamides, abnormal blood clotting, when taking some cephalosporins), sensitivity to sunlight, when taking tetracyclines, blood disorders, when taking trimethoprim, deafness, when taking erythromycin and the aminoglycosides.

The journal of “Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis” is a peer reviewed medical journal that includes a wide range of topics in this fields including Bacteriology, Clinical and Medical Diagnostics, Parasitology, Bacterial Infections and creates a platform for the authors to make their contribution towards the journal. The editorial office promises a thorough peer review of the submitted manuscripts to ensure quality.

Best Regards,

Mary Wilson,

Associate Managing Editor,

Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis

E-mail: microbiology@jpeerreview.com