Antibiotics are among the greatest achievements of medical
science. But lately the former multi-purpose weapon fails in the
battle against infectious diseases. Bacteria are increasingly
developing resistance to antibiotics. Researchers have now found
a therapeutic equivalent which could replace penicillin and
related phamaceuticals. More and more pathogens are becoming
immune to antibiotics. Some bacteria can no longer be combated.
The World Health Organization WHO is warning about resistance to
drugs which were once so potent. The WHO's director-general
Margaret Chan has pointed out that if measures are not taken
quickly, it may soon not be possible to treat many frequently
occurring infections. Figures released by the WHO show that in
2010 nearly half-a-million people were infected with a strain of
tuberculosis which is resistant to many antibiotics one third of
those infected died. The Organization states that the growing
spread of resistant pathogens is attributable to the
indiscriminate use of penicillin