The term identifies a category of medicine used to combat bacterial infections. These medicines work by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, allowing the body’s natural defenses to overcome the infection. A prime example of this type of medicine is penicillin, discovered in the 20th century and used widely to treat various bacterial diseases.
The development and widespread application of these medicines has had a profound impact on global health and demography. Prior to their availability, bacterial infections were a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations. The decrease in deaths from previously devastating diseases allowed for increases in population growth and altered patterns of disease across the globe. Its usage, however, also resulted in resistance from certain bacterias against medicines.