Antibiotics: The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928—and its mass production in the 1940s—ushered in the antibiotic era, transforming previously fatal bacterial infections into treatable conditions. Before antibiotics, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and sepsis claimed millions; surgeries and childbirth carried high infection risks. Antibiotics like streptomycin, tetracycline, and later generations expanded this shield against diverse pathogens. Their impact on life expectancy, surgery safety, and cancer care (by protecting immunocompromised patients) is immeasurable. However, overuse in humans and agriculture has accelerated antimicrobial resistance, creating “superbugs” that threaten to reverse these gains. The WHO now lists resistance as a top global health threat. While new antibiotic development lags, stewardship and alternative therapies like phage therapy are being explored. Antibiotics remain a cornerstone of modern medicine, symbolizing both triumph and the urgent need for sustainable use.
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