Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or stopping them from growing and multiplying. They work by targeting essential bacterial structures or processes, such as the bacterial cell wall, DNA and RNA synthesis, or protein production, which are different from those in human cells. This action either kills the bacteria (bactericidal antibiotics) or inhibits their growth (bacteriostatic antibiotics), allowing the immune system to clear the infection
. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and certain ear and sinus infections. They do not work against viral infections like the common cold, flu, or most sore throats
. They can be administered orally, topically, or by injection depending on the infection severity
. In summary, antibiotics treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or preventing their growth, thereby helping the body overcome infections caused by bacteria
