Scientists have created the first new antibiotic in nearly 30 years. Teixobactin is the antibiotic which can treat many common bacterial infections such as tuberculosis.
It eliminates pathogens without any side effects. The discovery matches the time when World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the world is facing a post-antibiotic era when ordinary infections will no longer have a treatment. This discovery is believed to pave way for new generations of antibiotics.
Penicillin is the first antibiotic that was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. After that more than 100 compounds have been found.
However, no new class has been found since 1987.
The new antibiotic may be available in market in 5 years.
What is Antibiotic?
- Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial
- They are used against bacteria.
- They used in medical treatment of bacterial infections.
- They can either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.
- Several antibiotic agents are also effective against a number of fungi, protozoans.
- Antibiotics are not effective against viruses such as the common cold or influenza
- Antibiotics may be harmful when taken inappropriately.
- Antibiotics revolutionized medicine in the 20th century
- Antibiotics, together with vaccination, have lead to the near eradication of diseases such as tuberculosis in the developed world.
- Their effectiveness and easy access led to overuse, especially in live-stock raising which prompted bacteria to develop resistance.
- This has led to widespread problems with antibiotic resistance
- World Health Organization has classified antimicrobial resistance as a “serious threat that is no longer a prediction for the future, it is happening right now in every region of the world and has the potential to affect anyone, of any age, in any country”.
