Microbiology with Diseases by Body System (5th Edition)
Microbiology with Diseases by Body System (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780134477206
Author: Robert W. Bauman Ph.D.
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 10, Problem 1TMW
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To tell:

Why antibiotics are not effective against the common cold.

Introduction:

Drugs that are used to treat the microbial infections are commonly referred to as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial agents that are used in the treatment of helminthic, protozoan, fungal, and viral diseases are grouped as antihelminthic, antiprotozoan, antifungal, and antiviral drugs, respectively. A drug compound should merely target the pathogenic microorganisms and do not cause any harm to the host system.

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Explanation of Solution

In the respiratory tract (upper), infections are caused by several viruses. Such infections, which generally last up to two weeks, are regarded as the common cold.

Antimicrobial agents differ in its mode of action, including inhibition of cell wall, inhibition of protein and nucleic acid synthesis, interfere with a specific component present in the plasma membrane, and inhibition of essential metabolite synthesis. Antibiotics are therapeutic agents that are produced biologically. They are antibacterial agents applied in treating infections caused by pathogenic bacteria. Viruses and bacteria are entirely different microbes (structure and survival method). Since common cold occurs as a result of viral infections, antibiotics are ineffective in the treatment of cold.

Conclusion

Antibiotics are not used in the treatment of viral infections.

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Microbiology with Diseases by Body System (5th Edition)

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