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Penicillin - The significance of the Breakthrough The discovery, development and subsequent use of penicillin can be considered to be one of the most important breakthroughs in medical history. Penicillin prevents a large number of germs from growing. As it is an organic substance it can be used on, or in, the human body. This meant that for the first time something was available that could, potentially, prevent the decay of the body or infection from germs whilst operating. The immediate impact of the discovery is clear. The drug was developed
quickly in the War years by the American government. By developing the
drug so readily and so quickly the US Governemtn prevented many soliers
from having war wounds becoming infected: the drug therefore saved a lot
of lives and, it could be argued, played a role in helping to win the
war for the Allies. The fight against infectious disease: pages within this unit What is an Infectious Disease? A Glossary of Infectious Diseases, Edward Jenner, Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, Vaccination, The Development of Drugs, Paul Ehrlich, Gerhard Domagk, Alexander Fleming, Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, The importance of Penicillin, Factors affecting the development of drugs and treatments. Activities within the Unit
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