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Antibiotics and their Risks. Sir Alexander Fleming. Discovered that certain fungi ( penicillium ) inhibited growth of staphlococcus bacteria Used knowledge to formulate first antibiotic penicillin to be used medically. Taking Antibiotics.
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Sir Alexander Fleming • Discovered that certain fungi (penicillium) inhibited growth of staphlococcus bacteria • Used knowledge to formulate first antibiotic penicillin to be used medically
Taking Antibiotics • Persccriptions need to be followed exactly as directed from doctor • Biggest mistake = stopping antibiotics just because you feel better • ALWAYS finish perscription as directed • Can lead to antibiotic resistant infections
Antibiotic Resistance • Antibiotics kill or stop the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria • In a colony some will be affected by drug, others will not • Immune system can target bacteria that is not affected and destroy pathogens • What happens if the immune system doesn’t get them all??
Super bugs • Recently; antibiotic resistance has created a line of pathogens that are termed ‘Super Bugs’ • They are resistant to antibiotics and are not easily defeated • Product of antibiotic resistance
Development of Super Bugs • Colony of pathogens of resistant (green) and non-resistant types (red)
Development of Super Bugs • Antibiotics destroy non-resistant type
Development of Super Bugs • Resistant type given chance to re-colonize • New colony is 100% resistant
Other ways Super Bugs arise • If perscription is not completed, any remaining non-resistant cells can aquire resistance by mutation through exchange of DNA with resistant cells