First Advisor

Kevin Reynolds

Date of Award

Spring 6-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Science and University Honors

Department

Science

Language

English

Subjects

penicillin, β-lactam, β-lactamase, β-lactam inhibitors, antibiotic resistance

DOI

10.15760/honors.1646

Abstract

This thesis is a literature review investigating the effects of overusing penicillin and the nonadherence to proper treatment on the evolutionary changes in a bacterium's resistance. Drawing upon the history, present, and future of penicillin research, the examination analyzes how penicillin came to be, how bacteria developed their resistance, and how scientists are combating this issue. In doing so, the study investigates the historical timeline regarding the discovery of penicillin as an antibiotic. Furthermore, the review will examine the scientific changes within a bacterium's physiology to develop its antibiotic resistance. Finally, the review will delve into what scientists are currently researching to battle this resistance, in which scientists have discovered the use of β-lactamase inhibitors in combination with penicillin as a β-lactam antibiotic.

Rights

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43709

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