A Sneak Peek into the History of Antibiotics

Antibiotics have become the best weapons against harmful bacteria and are widely used to prevent or cure infections. Although considered an invention of the twentieth century, on looking at the history of antibiotics it becomes clear that antibiotics were in use during 350-550 CE in ancient Egypt as found in skeletons of that era.

Egyptians used plant extract and moulds to treat infections and it took many more years until the 19^th century to know that such infections result from microbes, especially bacteria.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are available in the form of capsules, pills, liquids, topical creams, and intravenous injections. Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections and doctors routinely prescribe these drugs for infections of the chest, throat, ear, nose, and other mild infections. However, antibiotics cannot treat influenza, the common cold, and other viral infections. However, too much use of antibiotics can develop resistance to the drug which then becomes ineffective.

The journey of antibiotics began in ancient times

 Antibiotics have a long history even before the commencement of the modern era of antibiotics. Almost 2,000 years ago people of Egypt, Greece, China, and Serbia used microbes that produce antibiotics to treat infections. The existence of antibiotics in ancient times is mentioned in Eber's papyrus dated 1550 BC. It's the oldest medical document available that describes the use of medicinal soils and mouldy bread in treating infections. Again, traces of tetracycline were found in human bones recovered from the Dakhleh Oasis in Egypt.

The modern antibiotic era

 The discovery of the drugs neosalvarsan and a synthetic prodrug salvarsan by Paul Enrich in 1910 signalled the commencement of the modern antibiotic era.  The drugs were useful for treating Treponema Pallidum, bacteria that causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease. The dyes discovered by Paul Enrich inspired him to start screening a panel of synthetic drugs that led to the discovery of salvarsan.

However, the credit for discovering the first modern antibiotic goes to Alexander Fleming for discovering penicillin in 1928. After the discovery, it took almost a decade before people started using the drug.

In 1945, large-scale use of Penicillin began for treating various bacterial infections. The hard work of Chain and Florey who managed to efficiently purify the antibiotic and launch large-scale production was the main driver behind the widespread use of Penicillin.

The golden era of antibiotics

The Golden Era of Antibiotics lasted for two decades from 1942 to 1962. The two decades witnessed intensive research and development work involving antibiotics that resulted in several discoveries of new drugs that flooded the market.  Each class contains several antibiotics including newly discovered drugs and duly modified versions of previously discovered drugs which were as good as discoveries. The range of drugs includes numerous beta-lactams such as different cephalosporins and penicillin.

In 1945, the hard work of Ernst Chain and Howard Florey paid off well as they jointly won the Nobel Prize in Medicine along with Alexander Fleming for their contribution to paving the way for the first mass-produced antibiotic.

The Link Between Art and the History of Antibiotics

The link between art and the history of antibiotics may not seem immediately apparent, but some connections can be explored. Art has often been influenced by societal changes, scientific advancements, and historical events. The discovery and development of antibiotics have had a significant impact on human history, and it is not uncommon for artists to reflect and respond to such developments.

Representation of Medical Themes: Artists have frequently depicted medical themes in their work, including the history of medicine and breakthroughs in healthcare. Antibiotics, as a revolutionary advancement in medical science, have been portrayed in various art forms. For example, paintings, sculptures, or illustrations might depict scientists like Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, or the symbolic representation of antibiotic molecules.

Reflections on Human Health: The availability of antibiotics transformed the treatment of infectious diseases, making them more manageable and curable. This medical breakthrough has influenced artists' perspectives on human health, particularly regarding the themes of illness, recovery, and the relationship between science and the body. Artworks may explore the emotional and physical experiences of individuals who have benefited from antibiotic treatment.

Cultural and Societal Impact: Antibiotics have had a profound impact on society, affecting public health, agriculture, and the environment. Artists often engage with cultural and societal changes, responding to the implications of scientific discoveries. They may create artworks that explore the consequences of antibiotic overuse, antibiotic resistance, or the ethical dilemmas surrounding their use.

Scientific Visualization: Artistic representations play a role in the visualization of scientific concepts. Antibiotics, being a complex topic, can benefit from creative and visual interpretations. Artists might collaborate with scientists to communicate the mechanisms of antibiotics, bacterial resistance, or the evolutionary arms race between microorganisms and medicine.

Metaphorical Associations: Artists frequently use metaphor and symbolism to convey meaning. Antibiotics and their effects can be metaphorically linked to broader social or personal themes. For instance, the concept of antibiotic resistance could be interpreted as a metaphor for societal resilience, adaptation, or the struggle against oppressive systems.

Historical Context: Art often reflects the historical context in which it is created. The discovery of antibiotics marked a significant milestone in medical history and had far-reaching implications. Artists may create works that reference or respond to specific historical periods, exploring the social, political, and cultural circumstances surrounding the development and use of antibiotics.

While the link between art and the history of antibiotics may not be direct, art serves as a means of expression, interpretation, and reflection. Artists can engage with scientific discoveries and historical events, providing unique perspectives and enriching our understanding of the impact antibiotics have had on humanity.