Hi everyone!
Anti-biotics target bacteria and not human cells through many different means, largely
by taking advantage of the cellular differences that exist between the two types of cells. Bacteria
have different cellular physiology than eukaryote cells which allows anti-biotics to target these
differences alone while leaving human cells untouched. Some anti-biotics affect bacteria cells
ability to construct or maintain cell walls which eukaryote cells do not have, other anti-biotics
interfere with the ribosomes within specifically bacteria cells as eukaryote cells also contain
ribosomes (Genetic Science Learning Center August 15, 2014).
The existence and prevalence of super-bugs is largely due to a combination of human
behavior, agricultural practices, and in part due to natural process like evolution that allow living
organisms to adapt and adjust to the challenges of their natural environment. When people or
livestock take the wrong anti-biotics, do not complete the recommended regimen or when they
take them unnecessarily the bacteria exposed to these anti-biotics may not be totally wiped out.
This effect in combination with anti-biotics indiscriminate killing of both good and bad bacteria
afford bad bacteria the ample space and opportunity to re-establish themselves and develop
resistances to antibiotics (NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison February 2014).
Maintaining a proper hygiene and nutrition regimen is essential to combating the spread of super
bugs because it decreases the possible vectors of spread reducing. Things like staying home
while sick, washing hands, decreasing personal contact with others and having a strong
knowledge of anti-biotics prescribed can have a substantial impact on the rate of spread of super
bugs and the rate in which that they develop (NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison
February 2014).
References
Genetic Science Learning Center. (2014, August 15) What is an Antibiotic?
https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/microbiome/antibiotics/
NIH Office of Communications and Public Liaison (February 2014) Stop the Spread of
Superbugs | NIH News in Health
