The term “ABX” is a common abbreviation for antibiotics, powerful medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Their discovery marked a significant turning point in medical history, revolutionizing the treatment of infectious diseases. The introduction of antibiotics dramatically increased life expectancy and made many complex medical procedures possible.
What are ABX?
Antibiotics are a specific class of antimicrobial drugs designed to target and either kill bacteria or stop their growth. Initially discovered from natural sources, such as fungi like Penicillium mold and various soil bacteria, many antibiotics today are still derived from these natural compounds or are synthetically modified.
Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria and do not work against viruses. Using antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, is ineffective and can lead to inappropriate prescriptions and other problems.
How ABX Work
Antibiotics exert their effects through various mechanisms that specifically target bacterial processes, leaving human cells largely unharmed. Some antibiotics, like penicillin, primarily work by disrupting the formation of the bacterial cell wall. Without a properly formed wall, the bacterial cell cannot withstand internal pressures and ruptures, leading to its death.
Other antibiotics, such as erythromycin, interfere with bacterial protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes, preventing bacteria from producing proteins needed for growth and replication. A different class of antibiotics, like quinolones, blocks bacterial DNA replication by inhibiting enzymes such as DNA gyrase, which are necessary for unwinding and coiling bacterial DNA.
Antibiotics are broadly categorized into two types based on their action: bactericidal and bacteriostatic. Bactericidal antibiotics directly kill bacteria, often by destroying the cell wall or interfering with cellular components. Examples include penicillins. In contrast, bacteriostatic antibiotics stop bacteria from multiplying, allowing the body’s immune system to clear the infection. Erythromycin is an example of a bacteriostatic antibiotic.
Responsible Use of ABX
Using antibiotics correctly is important for both individual and public health. Antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a healthcare professional for a confirmed or suspected bacterial infection. Taking them for viral illnesses, where they are ineffective, does not help and can cause unnecessary side effects.
It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve or disappear. Stopping treatment early can leave some bacteria alive, allowing them to regrow and potentially develop resistance. Additionally, antibiotics should never be shared with others or saved for future use, as this can lead to improper dosages or treatment of the wrong type of infection, contributing to resistance.
ABX Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat where bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder or impossible to treat. This phenomenon occurs naturally over time through genetic changes in bacteria, but human activities, particularly the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, accelerate its spread. When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, those with natural resistance traits survive and multiply, leading to a population of drug-resistant bacteria.
The consequences of antibiotic resistance are severe, including longer hospital stays, increased medical costs, and higher mortality rates. For instance, in 2019, bacterial antimicrobial resistance was directly responsible for an estimated 1.27 million global deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. Projections indicate that antibiotic-resistant infections could cause over 39 million deaths between 2025 and 2050 if current trends continue. Combating resistance requires a collective effort, emphasizing responsible antibiotic use, improved infection control, and investment in new drug development.