ANTIBIOTIC DRUG Meaning and
Definition
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An antibiotic drug is a type of medication that is used to treat or prevent bacterial infections in humans or animals. It is designed to be ingested, injected, or applied topically to the affected area. Antibiotic drugs work by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, thereby allowing the immune system to effectively clear the infection.
These drugs are specifically designed to target bacteria and are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. They are classified into different categories based on their mechanism of action, chemical composition, and spectrum of activity. Common classes of antibiotic drugs include penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones.
An antibiotic drug functions by disrupting certain vital processes or structures within bacterial cells. This can include inhibiting protein synthesis, hindering cell wall formation, interfering with DNA replication or transcription, or disrupting metabolic pathways. By targeting these specific bacterial components, antibiotic drugs effectively halt the growth or kill the bacteria, ultimately leading to the resolution of the infection.
It is important for antibiotic drugs to be used judiciously and only when necessary, as overuse or improper use can lead to antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria develop the ability to withstand the effects of the drugs, rendering them ineffective. Therefore, healthcare professionals carefully prescribe and monitor the use of antibiotic drugs to ensure their optimal efficacy and minimize the development of resistance.
Common Misspellings for ANTIBIOTIC DRUG
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Etymology of ANTIBIOTIC DRUG
The word "antibiotic" is derived from two Greek roots: "anti-" meaning "against" or "opposite" and "bios" meaning "life". Antibiotics are substances that are effective against living organisms, especially microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The term was first introduced by the Ukrainian-American inventor Selman Waksman in 1942 to refer to substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. "Drug" comes from the Old French word "drogue", which originally meant "dried plant" or "herb". Over time, it came to refer to any substance used for medicinal purposes. Hence, the term "antibiotic drug" refers to a medication that is used to treat infections caused by harmful bacteria.
Similar spelling words for ANTIBIOTIC DRUG
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