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WHAT ARE ANTIBIOTICS ?
Antibiotics are chemical substances made by certain fungi or bacteria that affect the working of bacterial cells, either by disrupting their structure or function or by preventing them from reproducing.
Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not against viruses.
Antibiotics target processes and structures that are specific to bacterial (prokaryotic) cells; as such they do not generally harm animal cells.
Antibiotics resistance
Commonly prescribed antibiotics are becoming less effective due to a number of reasons:
overuse and being prescribed when not really necessary
patients failing to complete the fully prescribed course by a doctor
large scale use of antibiotics in farming to prevent disease when livestock are kept in close quarters, even when animals are not actually sick
This has led to the effectiveness of antibiotics being reduced, and the incidence of antibiotic resistance increasing
These bacteria are commonly known as superbugs and the most common is MRSA
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How can the misuse of antibiotics contribute to antibiotic resistance?
What should you do if you miss a dose of antibiotics?
Can taking antibiotics affect your gut health?
What are some examples of common antibiotics and their uses?
How should antibiotics be stored and disposed of properly?