From the following list, select all of the diseases that antibiotics do not directly cure.
a. Hanta pulmonary syndrome
b. Streptococcus pneumoniae
c. Colds
d. Influenza
e. Haemophilus influenzae
f. COVID-19
g. Legionellosis
h. Tularemia

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that antibiotics are designed to target bacterial infections by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They are not effective against viral infections.
2. Step 2: Identify which diseases in the list are caused by bacteria. For example, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionellosis, and Tularemia are bacterial infections.
3. Step 3: Identify which diseases in the list are caused by viruses. For example, Hanta pulmonary syndrome, colds, influenza, and COVID-19 are viral infections.
4. Step 4: Recognize that antibiotics do not directly cure viral diseases because viruses have different structures and replication mechanisms that antibiotics do not target.
5. Step 5: Conclude that antibiotics do not directly cure the viral diseases from the list, which include Hanta pulmonary syndrome, colds, influenza, and COVID-19.

Key Concepts

Antibiotics and Their Mechanism of Action

Antibiotics are drugs designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria by targeting specific bacterial structures or functions, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production. They are effective only against bacterial infections and have no direct effect on viruses or non-bacterial pathogens.

Difference Between Bacterial and Viral Diseases

Bacterial diseases are caused by bacteria and can often be treated with antibiotics, while viral diseases are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. Understanding this distinction is crucial for selecting appropriate treatments and avoiding misuse of antibiotics.

Examples of Diseases Caused by Bacteria vs. Viruses

Diseases like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionellosis, and Tularemia are bacterial infections treatable with antibiotics. In contrast, illnesses such as colds, influenza, COVID-19, and Hanta pulmonary syndrome are viral or caused by other pathogens, making antibiotics ineffective against them.