ABSTRACT
Antibiotics are medicines used to control infectious diseases in humans and animals. They are derived originally from natural substances produced as defence systems by microorganisms to inhibit the growth or multiplication (reproduction) of other microorganisms. These microorganisms have then been identified and cultured naturally or synthetically to create the drugs that are used extensively in human and veterinary medicine today. The vast majority of antibiotics are used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They are not effective against viral infections.
