Penicillin

:For the Japanese rock band, see Penicillin (band).

Resistance

Antibiotic resistance to penicillin is now common amongst many hospital acquired bacteria. The resistance to penicillin has been partly due to the rise of beta-lactamase producing bacteria which secrete an enzyme that breaks down the beta-lactam ring of penicillin, rendering it harmless to the bacteria. These bacteria may remain sensitive to other beta-lactam antibiotics. Resistance also arises through modifications to the bacterial cell wall; this resistance usually extends to other beta-lactam antibiotics.

Related Topics:
Antibiotic resistance - Beta-lactamase - Enzyme - Beta-lactam antibiotics

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