ANTIBIOTICS Antibiotics have played a major role in our society thanks to Sir Alexander Fleming's careful observations in 1928. Without it, many lives would be in danger due to infectious diseases. Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by various species of microorganisms and other living systems that are capable in small concentrations of inhibiting the growth of or killing bacteria and other microorganisms. These organisms can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or animals called protozoa. A particular group …showed first 75 words of 1563 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1563 total…fed with these additives for better weight gains and to speed their growth. Current work in antibiotics is largely in the area of viruses. Although some antivirals are available, most have toxic effects so severe that they can be used only in life-threatening diseases where the negative effects are the lesser danger. Preliminary studies, however, are reporting success in the development of safer antiviral drugs, and their use should be possible within the near future.