Antibiotics kill or inhibit germ growth in one of five ways.
Interferance with Cell Wall Synthesis ‚ The first antibiotic, penicillin, and many others work by preventing the germs from repairing their cell walls. The cell walls weaken and eventually burst, leading to the cell's death.
Disruption of Cellular Processes ‚ Erythromycin and tetracycline prevent cells from making proteins or other essential components. This prevents the cells from growing and multiplying, making it easier for the body's immune system to destroy them.
Blocking of Metabolism ‚ Antibiotics known as polymyxins prevent germs from taking in nutrients and expelling their own metabolic waste products. This leads to a combination of starving the germ and accumulating toxins that kill it.
Blocking DNA Synthesis ‚ Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and other antibiotics in this class prevent the germs from multiplying by interfering with their ability to make DNA.
Competion with Nutrients ‚ Some germs require the vitamin-like substance para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to survive. Sulfa antibiotics are chemically very close in structure to PABA. The germs that require PABA are fooled into picking up the antibiotic rather than the PABA. This inhibits their growth, making it easier for the body's immune system to kill them.
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