Bacteria reside in and on your body in a number of areas such as the nose, mouth, skin and throughout the digestive system. The gastrointestinal tract contains a large number of bacteria which are beneficial to certain body functions such as digestion of foods and formation of vitamins. Some bacteria, called pathogenic organisms, cause infections requiring antibiotics for treatment. The antibiotic penicillin effectively treats certain bacterial infections but might destroy some helpful bacteria in the intestine.
Function
Antibiotics are by design specifically toxic to bacteria and either destroy or hinder growth without harming the host individual. Penicillin is produced from a mold called Penicillium chrysogenum. During the manfacturing process, penicillin is stabilized for enhanced absorption from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. Penicillin functions by disrupting the development of the bacterial cell wall which places the contents under pressure. Ultimately the cell wall collapses and the bacteria dies.
Types and Uses
Pencillin is available in generically different forms with selection made based on the results of bacterial culture and sensitivity of the organism. The forms and indications include: penicillin G benzathine treats congenital syphilis and streptococcal infections, penicillin G potassium treats systemic infections and anthrax, penicillin G procaine treats anthrax including respiratory and cutaneous infections, penicillin G sodium treats neurosyphilis and systemic infections and penicillin V potassium treats recurring rheumatic fever and Lyme disease.
Resistance
A number of factors increase the likelihood of bacteria developing resistance to penicillin. The factors include excessive use of penicillin, inappropriately prescribing penicillin for viral infections, lack of culture and sensitivity testing and noncompliance with the prescribed regimen. Bacteria are living organisms with defense mechanisms for protection when encountering penicillin. The primary mechanism consists of increasing the strength of the cell wall against penicillin and developing an enzyme called penicillinase which destroys penicillin.
Antibiotic-induced Colitis
Antibiotics might alter the stability and amount of organisms in the intestinal tract and encourage overgrowth of bacteria which cause diseases and conditions. Penicillin can cause a condition involving the bacteria Clostridium difficile, allowing the organism to produce toxins which disrupt and harm the mucous membrane lining of the intestine. Symptoms include profuse diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping and pain. Some instances resolve after the penicillin is stopped while others require further medical treatment and hospitalization.
References
- The Merck Manuals: Bacterial Infections
- University Of Notre Dame; Discovery Sheds Light on the Nature of the Bacterial Cell Wall and How Antibiotics Work
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine; Antibiotics That Affect The Cell Envelope; Alvin Fox; Feb. 19, 2010
- Drugs.com: Penicillin
- "Nursing 2007 Drug Handbook"; 2007
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis; 2008
