Antibiotics are mostly obtained from

Antibiotics are mostly obtained from bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms naturally produce antibiotics as a defense mechanism against other microbes. From bacteria, a variety of antibiotics like streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin are derived. Similarly, fungi, such as Penicillium, produce penicillin, one of the first and most widely used antibiotics. Antibiotics from these sources have been instrumental in treating various bacterial infections in humans and animals. Research and development in microbiology have led to the discovery of many antibiotics that have revolutionized medicine and increased life expectancy. While most antibiotics come from bacteria and fungi, some plant-derived compounds also exhibit antimicrobial properties, but they are less common in mainstream antibiotic use. The continuous search for new antibiotics from natural sources remains crucial in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and emerging infectious diseases.