Penicillin: The Burdensome Physiology of β-Lactamase

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.