What are antimicrobials?

Antimicrobials are a type of medicine, which is used to treat infections.

Some common antimicrobials are:

• Penicillin
• Amoxicillin
• Metronidazole
• Clarithromycin
• How many types of antibiotics exist?
• Penicillin
• Cephalosporins
• Aminoglycosides
• Tetracyclines
• Macrolides
• Fluoroquinolones

How do antibiotics work?

Antibiotics work by:

• Killing bacteria
• Stopping bacteria from growing

How were antibiotics discovered?

The first antibiotic was accidentally discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. After returning from a holiday, Alexander noticed that the penicillin fungus had stopped the growth of bacteria within an uncovered petri dish. In 1945, penicillin was then mass produced, with help from Florey and Chain, for use in hospitals and in the field.

Fleming, Florey, and Chain all received Nobel Prizes for their work in producing the first mass-produced antibiotic!

Unfortunately, since 1987, there have been no new antibiotics discovered.

Why is this important?

Without new antibiotics, we cannot target and treat antibiotic resistant infections.

What causes antimicrobial resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance happens as bacteria grow to escape antibiotic treatment and become resistant.

But, as we use antibiotics more and more, bacteria are becoming more and more resistant. This means that antibiotics won’t work when we need them! Around 700,000 people die every year across the world because of Antimicrobial resistance.

But what if I need antibiotics?

Your healthcare provider will always properly assess you and prescribe antibiotics if they are needed. We are prescribing less antibiotics because:

• Most infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. This means the antibiotics won’t work.
• Antibiotics are unlikely to speed up healing and cause serious side effects.
• Antimicrobial resistance is increasing.

How can I help?

• Spread the message with friends and family
• Remember that antibiotics may not always be needed
• Become an antibiotic guardian and pledge your fight against AMR

Antimicrobial Resistance Animation – video from Health Education England