Why are antibiotics not effective against viruses and certain kinds of bacteria that lack cell walls?

Question

and certain kinds of bacteria that lack cell walls?

Answer 1

Not all antibiotics are ineffective against bacteria without cells walls. All bacteria have a cellular membrane, but not all have cells walls. Those that do are called gram positive, those without, gram negative, after a type of staining commonly done in a lab. The initial answer was correct, certain types do only attack these cell walls. The first antibiotics were beta lactams, but since then, many more have been discovered, including many that work on gram negative bacteria, such as e coli and salmonella.

Most antibiotics disrupt some portion of the cells reproduction. Since viruses do not reproduce outside of the human cell, there is no way to get to them. It would be sort of like trying to use a cannon to kill someone who's on your ship. Even if you could do it, you'd blow big holes in your own boat. They are coming up with some antiviral medication, Tamiflu, or the drugs used to fight HIV, and probably someday, we will have unlocked some of the mysteries surrounding how to destroy them. And then they'll evolve, and we'll have to figure it out all over again.

Answer 2

Antibiotics inhibit an important part of the bacteria's cellular functions. Typical targets include the cell wall, RNA polyermase, DNA polymerase and other enzymes involved in critical reactions such as ribosomes. Viruses use host machinary and don't have these targets.

There are no bacteria without cell walls.

Answer 3

Some of the most common antibiotics target components of the bacterial cell wall, or inhibit its synthesis. Naturally, if an organism doesn't possess a cell wall, these antibiotics will be ineffective. The beta lactam antibiotics are one class that works on the cell wall (penicillin, cephalosporins, etc).

Answer 4

base line, in no way ever permit all of us say A/B's paintings to restoration Viruses. it is so incorrect. save that for the duration of suggestions once you spot the subsequent dodgy GP. Antibiotic use promotes progression of antibiotic-resistant micro organism. Antibiotic resistance happens while micro organism replace in some way that reduces or gets rid of the effectiveness of medicine, chemical ingredients, or different brokers designed to treatment or forestall infections. The micro organism survive and proceed to multiply inflicting extra injury. universal use of antibiotics promotes the unfold of antibiotic resistance. collectively as antibiotics could be used to handle bacterial infections, they don't seem to be powerful against viral infections like the easy chilly, maximum sore throats, and the flu.

Answer 5

if antibiotics are not working for you, maybe your body is immune to it and need a different prescription.

go to the doctor and ask question Why!

don't be afraid to ask, he's there to help you