ABSTRACT
Along with the development of vaccines, antimicrobial agents are widely regarded as one of the most important advances in modern medicine. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, common infections often resulted in death. Antibiotics have made possible the treatment and prevention of diseases which were previously responsible for incredible morbidity and mortality both in children and adults. After Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, the drug was celebrated as a miracle cure. Today, antimicrobial drugs have become easily available, relatively non-toxic and have therefore fallen prey to overuse and abuse. The collateral damage associated with their appropriate use, overuse and abuse are all associated with the development of resistance to these lifesaving agents.
