Antibiotic Resistance and Superbugs (U1) Flashcards
Antibiotics definition?
Medicines that fight bacteria by killing the offending pathogens directly/weakening them so that the immune system can destroy them (abx)
Two types of antibiotics?
Bactericidal and bacteriostatic
Bactericidal definition?
Kills MOs
Bacteriostatic definition?
Inhibit the growth of MOs
Broad spectrum definition?
Antibiotics with an effect on more general features (wide range of pathogens)
Narrow spectrum definition?
Antibiotics target specific reaction in particular MOs
Superbugs definition?
Bacteria that have developed a resistance to antibiotics (multidrug resistant
Why does antibiotic resistance occur?
Can arise from natural selection, since bacteria reproduce quickly, resistance can arise quickly
Causes of antibiotic resistance?
Unnecessary use for viral infections, quitting treatment too soon, unnecessary use of broad spectrum medication
MRSA definition?
Type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics
- Severe and life threatening MRSA infections occurs in hospitals (bloodstream/surgical site infection, pneumonia)