Controversies Generated By The Use Of Antibiotics In The Treatment Of Strep Throat
Unlike the very common sore throat, caused by infection with flu-viruses, strep throat is caused by infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria and is usually more severe. For decades, the primary choice of medications in the treatment of strep throat has consisted in antibiotics. Although at first penicillin was the main antibiotic medication to be prescribed to patients with strep throat, nowadays stronger antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin are generally preferred over penicillin derivates. The reason why the treatment of strep throat nowadays requires the use of stronger antibiotics is that most bacterial strains have evolved and have developed increased resistance to old-fashioned antibiotics such as penicillin due to inappropriate treatment. Even at present, the exact following of the doctor s directions regarding the use of antibiotics plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency of...