Discuss5 marksChallenge
A recent report describes a new bacterial pathogen, Bacillus fictilis, that causes respiratory infections. Laboratory tests show that penicillin is effective against B. fictilis. However, some strains have developed resistance. A separate outbreak caused by a novel virus, Influenza Z, is spreading.
Explain the action of penicillin on bacteria, why antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, the consequences of antibiotic resistance, and steps that can be taken to reduce the impact of antibiotic resistance.