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Is it true that penicillin no longer works as an antibiotic?
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There is some truth to your statement. Whereas, penicillin was once touted as the final cure to infection and infectious diseases, its overuse has led to some serious problems. It wasn't just that antibiotics were given to children and adults for every cold, sniffle, and virus.
Antibiotics were also routinely added to feed that was given to cows (both dairy and beef). This was done to prevent infection and increase milk and meat production. Over time, bacteria have adapted and become resistant to antibiotics. As a result, studies show that some infections respond as well to a placebo (sugar pill) as to a true antibiotic.
Stated in a different way, it can be said that whereas penicillin was once 100 per cent curative, today, sugar pills work as well. Physicians have found that using local antibiotics for things like soft tissue (skin, muscle, joint) and bone infections yields a better result than systemic (oral or intravenous) antibiotics.
Research is ongoing to find better, faster ways of delivering antibiotics to infected tissue. The goal is to find a balance between the right amount of antibiotic to get rid of the bacteria but not so much the local tissue reaches toxic levels that prevent wound healing.
Scientists have shown that a single bacteria cell can make billions more like itself in a 24-hour period of time. Efforts to understand how bacteria signal one another and grow will provide more specific ways to stop their reproductive cycle.
Right now, scientists are just in the experimental stage with more theories than solutions. They expect it may be quite some time before any major breakthroughs change the way significant infections, especially bone infections are managed.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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