Antibiotic Resistance

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change their biochemical pathways or genes so that an antibiotic no longer affects them.

👉 In simple terms:
The drug still exists — but the bacteria has “learned biochemistry” to defeat it.


Biochemical Mechanisms behind Resistance

(Important for Biochemistry Students)

  1. Enzyme production
    • β-lactamase enzyme breaks penicillin antibiotics
  2. Target modification
    • Ribosome mutation → antibiotic cannot bind
  3. Efflux pumps
    • Bacteria pumps the drug out of the cell
  4. Metabolic pathway alteration
    • Alternative pathway synthesis (e.g., folate pathway change)
  5. Biofilm formation
    • Protective biochemical matrix around bacteria

Why It Is Increasing (Public Awareness Points)

  • Taking antibiotics for viral fever / cold
  • Stopping medicine once symptoms reduce
  • Self-medication (medical shop purchase without prescription)
  • Use of antibiotics in poultry, fish, and animal feed
  • Hospital over-prescription

(This is very common in India and many developing regions.)

Real-Life Consequences

  • Typhoid not responding to tablets
  • TB treatment becoming 2–3 years long
  • Post-surgery infections becoming dangerous
  • Higher treatment cost
  • Increased mortality

What Biochemistry Community Can Do

Students

  • Conduct antibiotic sensitivity testing awareness camps
  • Explain difference: bacteria vs virus

Teachers

  • Include antibiotic stewardship education
  • Demonstrate agar diffusion tests in labs

Researchers

  • Work on:
    • Novel drug targets
    • Enzyme inhibitors (β-lactamase inhibitors)
    • Phage therapy
    • Antimicrobial peptides

Public Prevention Message (Very Important)

✔ Take antibiotics only with doctor prescription
✔ Complete full course
✔ Never share medicines
✔ Vaccination reduces antibiotic use
✔ Proper hygiene prevents infection

 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breast cancer

Image
  Breast cancer  Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably. It can occur in both men and women, though it’s much more common in women. Here are some key points about breast cancer: Types: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) : The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to surrounding tissue. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) : Begins in the lobules and can also spread. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) : A non-invasive condition where abnormal cells are found in the ducts but haven't spread. Triple-negative Breast Cancer : Lacks three common receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2) and can be more aggressive. Risk Factors: Gender : Women are at higher risk. Age : Risk increases with age. Family History : Genetics can play a role; BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase risk. Lifestyle Factors : Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can contribute. Symptoms: A lump or mass in the breast or underarm. Cha...
Read more

Congratulations to Preethi from II B.Sc Biochemistry for Winning 2nd Prize in Speech Competition!

Image
  Congratulations to Preethi from II B.Sc Biochemistry for Winning 2nd Prize in Speech Competition!              We are delighted to share that Preethi from II B.Sc Biochemistry, Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women (Autonomous) has secured the Second Prize in the speech competition held 22.11.2025 at Gandhinagar School, Vaniyambadi . Her confident delivery, clarity of thought, and impressive stage presence earned her well-deserved appreciation from the judges and the audience. As a recognition of her achievement, she received a cash prize of ₹750 . This accomplishment reflects her dedication, hard work, and passion for effective communication. The department proudly celebrates her success and encourages more students to participate in such enriching events. Congratulations once again, Preethi. May this achievement inspire many more milestones ahead.
Read more

Kidney function tests

Image
  Kidney function tests  Kidney function tests are essential for assessing how well your kidneys are working.  1. Blood Tests: Serum Creatinine : Measures the level of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) : Measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood from urea, another waste product. High levels can suggest kidney issues. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) : Calculated using serum creatinine, age, sex, and race. It estimates how well your kidneys are filtering blood. An eGFR below 60 may indicate kidney disease. 2. Urine Tests: Urinalysis : A dipstick test that checks for protein, blood, glucose, and other substances. Presence of protein (proteinuria) can indicate kidney damage. 24-Hour Urine Collection : Measures the total amount of waste products excreted in urine over 24 hours. This can help assess kidney function and detect kidney stones. 3. Imaging Tests: U...
Read more