The Rise and Challenge of Antibiotics in Modern Medicine

Antibiotics are crucial for modern medicine, treating infections and enabling procedures like surgery. However, bacterial resistance is rising, and new antibiotics are scarce. The history of antibiotics began with penicillin, but overuse and economic factors have hindered new developments. Solutions include controlling use, developing new drugs, and exploring alternatives like phages and vaccines. Economic challenges persist, as antibiotics are less profitable. Policy changes and investment are needed to combat resistance and ensure future antibiotic availability.

What is the primary function of antibiotics in modern medicine?

• To cure viral infections

• To prevent the growth of bacteria

• To enhance the immune system

• To increase the effectiveness of vaccines

Who discovered the first widely used antibiotic, penicillin?

• Louis Pasteur

• Joseph Lister

• Robert Koch

• Alexander Fleming

Why did pharmaceutical companies find antibiotics less profitable over time?

• Antibiotics were too expensive to produce

• Antibiotics were banned in many countries

• Antibiotics were only effective for a narrow spectrum of infections

• Antibiotics were overprescribed for viral infections

What is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance in agriculture?

• Genetic modification of crops

• Use of antibiotics to promote animal growth

• Overuse of fertilizers

• Lack of hygiene in farms

What natural source offers promising new compounds for antibiotics?

• Plants

• Microbes and fungi

• Synthetic chemicals

• Minerals

How do phages help in combating bacterial infections?

• By increasing antibiotic potency

• By degrading bacterial DNA

• By attacking bacteria without affecting humans

• By enhancing human immunity

What is a significant challenge in developing new antibiotics?

• Shortage of raw materials

• Excessive government regulations

• Inadequate funding

• Lack of scientific knowledge

Why are new therapeutic techniques like phages and vaccines not highly profitable?

• They have a short shelf life

• They require extensive clinical trials

• They are used only once if effective

• They are too expensive to produce

What model is the United Kingdom testing to incentivize antibiotic development?

• Antibiotic auctions

• Antibiotic subscriptions

• Antibiotic insurance

• Antibiotic grants

What is a potential solution to make antibiotic development more profitable?

• Increasing the price of antibiotics

• Shifting profits away from the volume sold

• Reducing production costs

• Expanding the market to developing countries