What is the primary use of antibiotics?

The primary use of antibiotics is to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting their growth or killing them.

Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, thereby helping the body's immune system to fight the infection. It's important to note that antibiotics are effective against bacteria, not viruses. Therefore, they are not used to treat viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

The way antibiotics function can be categorised into two main types: bactericidal and bacteriostatic. Bactericidal antibiotics, such as penicillin, kill bacteria directly by interfering with their cell wall synthesis or other vital functions. On the other hand, bacteriostatic antibiotics, like tetracyclines, inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria by interfering with protein synthesis, DNA replication, or other aspects of bacterial cellular metabolism.

Antibiotics are crucial in modern medicine. They are used in a variety of situations, from treating common infections, such as strep throat and urinary tract infections, to preventing infections in patients undergoing surgery or those with weakened immune systems. However, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a serious global health concern. This resistance occurs when bacteria evolve in response to the use of these medicines and develop the ability to withstand the drug's attack.

In conclusion, antibiotics are a powerful tool in the fight against bacterial infections. However, their effectiveness is threatened by the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the need for careful use and ongoing research into new types of antibiotics.