antibioticum

Antibioticum is a Latin term historically used to denote any antibiotic substance. In modern English, antibiotics are antimicrobial agents used to treat bacterial infections; the plural form is antibiotics. They can be natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic. Most antibiotics originated as natural products produced by microorganisms, especially actinobacteria and fungi, later modified chemically or designed synthetically. Mechanisms of action include inhibition of cell wall synthesis (for example beta-lactams and glycopeptides), inhibition of protein synthesis (aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides), interference with nucleic acid synthesis (quinolones, rifamycins), or disruption of membranes (polymyxins). Some affect essential metabolic pathways (sulfonamides). The spectrum ranges from narrow to broad; bactericidal agents kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic agents inhibit growth.

Resistance is a major concern: bacteria acquire resistance via enzyme inactivation, target modification, reduced permeability, or efflux. Resistance can be intrinsic or acquired, driven by overuse and misuse in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. Combating it relies on stewardship, appropriate prescribing, dose optimization, infection control, and development of new agents with novel mechanisms.

History and regulation: Penicillin, discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming, revolutionized medicine. Since then, many antibiotics have been discovered and developed, though the pipeline has slowed. Regulatory bodies issue guidelines on prescription, exposure, and monitoring of adverse effects. Side effects range from allergic reactions to organ toxicity and microbiome disruption. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and should be used only when bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.