What does "Tetracycline" mean?
Table of Contents
Tetracycline is a type of antibiotic that fights against a variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying, which helps the body's immune system to clear the infection.
Uses
Tetracycline is commonly used to treat infections such as acne, urinary tract infections, and respiratory tract infections. It can also be used to prevent certain diseases, like malaria, in some cases.
Resistance
Over time, some bacteria have become resistant to tetracycline. This means that the antibiotic may not work against these bacteria. Resistance can happen when bacteria change in a way that makes tetracycline less effective or when they gain genes that help them survive the antibiotic.
Importance of Monitoring
It is important to keep track of how effective tetracycline is, especially as it is used more in treatments. If resistance becomes widespread, it could make treating infections harder. This is why researchers study how the use of tetracycline and other antibiotics affects bacterial behavior.