Concept explainers
To tell:
Why antibiotics are not effective against the common cold.
Introduction:
Drugs that are used to treat the microbial infections are commonly referred to as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial agents that are used in the treatment of helminthic, protozoan, fungal, and viral diseases are grouped as antihelminthic, antiprotozoan, antifungal, and antiviral drugs, respectively. A drug compound should merely target the pathogenic microorganisms and do not cause any harm to the host system.
Explanation of Solution
In the respiratory tract (upper), infections are caused by several viruses. Such infections, which generally last up to two weeks, are regarded as the common cold.
Antimicrobial agents differ in its mode of action, including inhibition of cell wall, inhibition of protein and
Antibiotics are not used in the treatment of viral infections.
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Chapter 10 Solutions
Microbiology with Diseases by Body System, Books a la Carte Plus Mastering Microbiology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (5th Edition)
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