Penicillin: More Than Just Mold

The World's First Antibiotic, or Penicillin as It Is Commonly Known

Penicillin is a substance produced by a mold fungus called 'Penicillium notatum' that possesses bacteria-killing properties. Penicillin is used in the treatment of many infections caused by bacteria. Pneumonia, lung inflammation, ear infections, bladder and kidney inflammation, skin infections, and bone and joint inflammation are the principal diseases treated with penicillin. Dr. Alexander Fleming, working at St. Mary Hospital in London, discovered penicillin by chance. Fleming cultivated cultures in a sunless area of his laboratory and was conducting various research on the antiseptic properties of these cultures. When Dr. Alexander Fleming returned to his laboratory after a trip during this period, he noticed a different condition had developed in one of the cultures. He continued his work on the different culture and thus discovered penicillin by chance. In a subsequent statement, he announced that he had discovered penicillin on 13 February 1929 as a result of this accident. He also proved that penicillin produced effective results, particularly when used in treating sinus inflammation. After 1929, penicillin was continuously developed and took its place among important antibiotics. Looking from the past to the present, it is certainly not an exaggeration to say that penicillin ranks among the most important discoveries that have saved countless lives. Although Dr. Fleming continued his experiments later, he was unable to convert penicillin into a drug form. Ten years later, a pathology group led by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain from Oxford University brought work related to penicillin back into focus. Through successful research, they succeeded in purifying penicillin and proved its efficacy through experiments. When the calendar showed 1941, epidemics and infectious diseases began to emerge. Penicillin was used frequently, especially during World War II. In fact, 400 million units of penicillin were produced in the United States in the first five months of 1943 alone. By the end of the war, American pharmaceutical companies had become capable of producing 650 million units of penicillin monthly. During this period, penicillin became a drug used in the treatment of many bacterial diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia. The discovery and use of penicillin also made major contributions to the research of other antibacterial substances. Looking at the history of humanity, the consequences caused by epidemics and infectious diseases have changed the course of many historical events and processes. Antibiotics, especially penicillin, have saved millions of lives. Certainly, the average life expectancy today is not the same as 150 years ago. One of the architects of our doubled lifespan is the beginning of the use of penicillin and antibiotics.

But What About Side Effects?

Having discussed penicillin so extensively, it is necessary to address its side effects. Penicillin is a very effective and important drug, and like all drugs, penicillin has some negative effects in certain situations. Most importantly, penicillin allergy. Allergy testing must always be performed before administering a penicillin injection to any patient. A patient who does not test positive for allergy on the first test may develop an allergy on the second penicillin injection. Conducting an allergy test before each penicillin injection is of great importance in eliminating this risk. Particularly, an antidote should always be kept on hand as a precaution. The Origin of the Name Penicillin. The Penicillium type mold fungus, which can grow on cheese, stale bread, and even on a damp wall, derived its name from the Latin word "Penicilin," meaning brush, because it resembled very small paint brushes when viewed under a microscope.

Was Penicillin Used in Ancient Times?

Glancing at history, moldy soy paste in China, and soil in Mesopotamia and Ukraine served as antibiotics for wounds due to the mold contained within them.  

Source www.hurriyet.com.tr www.bilgiustam.com https://sarkac.org/2019/06/penisilinin-kesfi/ https://bilgihanem.com/penisilin-nedir/ Photo Source: www.pixabay.com www.blendspace.com tr.wikipedia.org

  Prepared by: Çağla Köksal