Why are antibiotics not used to treat viral infections?

Antibiotics target a variety of sites on bacteria (disruption DNA or cell wall or protein synthesis). These are not found in viruses - viruses lack cell walls, ribosomes or cell membranes.Antibiotics would not be able to reach a virus once it has infected a cell and is within it.

Answered by Karl L. Biology tutor

2986 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain two ways in which alveoli in the mammalian lung are adapted for efficient gaseous exchange


Explain how capillaries are adapted to their function of exchanging substances, giving 3 examples.


Explain how proteins can be used as a respiratory substrate.


Describe and explain how the lac Operon allows E coli bacteria to adapt to a new environment.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences