Utilizing the Penicillin Potential for global health.

In the realm of medicine, few inventions have had a greater influence on humanity, “The Discovery of Penicillin” from Penicillium mold in 1928 by Alexander Fleming was one of them. Penicillin is historically the most widely used broad-spectrum Antibiotics which has helped revolutionize the treatment of bacterial infections and brought about the dawn of the “Antibiotic era” consequently helping save millions of lives and rightfully claiming the title of the “Queen of Medicine”.

Previously there was no remedy to treat infections like Pneumonia, Meningitis, Syphilis etc. Being efficacious against gram-positive cocci, gram-negative cocci, most anaerobes etc. Penicillin is a keystone in the treatment & management of various infections.

Penicillin demonstrates inhibition of the bacterial cell wall synthesis and interacts with penicillin binding proteins, thus inducing bacterial lysis.

Mechanism of action of Penicillin:

Penicillin, due to the presence of its beta-lactam ring, helps kill bacteria through binding to DD- transpeptidase, a bacterial enzyme which is used to form bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. It irreversibly binds to obstruct the function of Transpeptidase enzyme by forming stable Penicilloyl – enzyme intermediate.

The Peptidoglycan cell wall in bacteria helps offer structural stability, and it undergoes constant remodeling during growth & replication. Penicillin suppresses the cross linking of peptidoglycan within the cell wall, thus making it leaky & fragile.

Challenges & Resistance:

Although the discovery of penicillin has helped create miraculous medical evolution, it has also brought about certain challenges. Gradually the bacteria have evolved & developed resistance to antibiotics, including Penicillin through genetic mutations. The exploitation and incorrect use of antibiotics in agriculture, livestock and humans have aggravated the issue, expediting the advent of antibiotic- resistant strains “The Superbugs” which are exceptionally difficult to treat.

Future Prospects:

In order to have continuing accessibility of effective antimicrobial therapy for infections, we need to collaborate on efforts to promote the sensible use of antibiotics and promote new treatment strategies. Preventing infections is the most promising and long-term sustainable solution which can be accomplished by increasing awareness about hygiene and sanitation. Also, development and continuous research on new antibiotics is essential. The alternative sources of microbicidal compounds like antimicrobial enzymes, Bacteriophages & phytochemicals which are tried & tested for centuries should also be explored.
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