Anti-Infective

SPA has deep roots in the sector of Antinfective drugs. Its history originates, in fact, in 1947 when the production and marketing of the first national penicillin began: SUPERCILLIN. Are defined Antinfectives those drugs capable of acting selectively against microorganisms, possible responsible for the onset of an infection and, therefore, able to prevent or treat an infection caused by them.

Belong to the large and heterogeneous group of Antinfective drugs numerous compounds that, with different mechanisms of action, act against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. In addition to antibacterials, both of natural origin (antibiotics) and semi-synthetic or totally such (antibacterial chemotherapeutics), also antivirals, antifungals, antiprotozoars and anthelmintics are part of the Antinfectives.

The most known and widespread Antinfective drugs are “antibiotics”. Technically, the term “antibiotic” refers exclusively to antimicrobials derived from bacteria or mould, but is often used as a synonym for “antibacterial drug”. Antibiotics are able to cure or prevent bacterial infections, helping to save many lives. Antibiotics should only be used on medical advice or prescription, when clinical or laboratory evidence suggests a bacterial infection. Their use in cases of viral disease or fever of indeterminate origin is inappropriate in most cases. Inappropriate use of antibiotics helps to increase the occurrence of bacterial resistance, as well as exposing patients to the risk of drug complications without any benefit.

Antiviral drugs are a class of drugs used to combat infections caused by viruses. Some antiviral drugs are active specifically towards certain viruses or virus families, such as viruses that cause influenza, herpes virus, HIV virus or hepatitis B (HBV) or C (HCV) viruses, while others are broad-spectrum, in other words they can be effective against a variety of viruses.

The class of antifungal drugs includes all those molecules capable of selectively inhibiting the development of pathogenic fungi (or mycetes), and therefore used to treat lemichosis, that is, infections caused by fungi and yeasts that can proliferate in different areas of the body.

 

PREVENTION

Personal hygiene is a very important aspect for the prevention of infections. Often washing hands, for example, is an effective way to prevent the direct transmission of infectious microorganisms from one person to another. In order to prevent intestinal infections, it is essential to pay attention to the quality and freshness of the foods and drinks we take.

There is also the “antibiotic prophylaxis” that has not therapeutic purposes but only preventive. This term means, in fact, the administration of antibiotics, according to well-defined methods, in the absence of infection in place, in order to prevent the occurrence. Prophylaxis is usually used before surgery, especially abdominal surgery or organ transplantation or special diagnostic investigations.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections, both bacterial and viral. All subjects with a high risk of developing infections (especially infants, children, the elderly, patients with some chronic pathologies) should undergo all the necessary vaccinations to reduce the risk.