The discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century represented a major advance in medicine. At the time of the discovery, a war was underway which caused numerous infected wounds. Antibiotics can be described as a use, laboratory effect, or action of a chemical compound (Clardy et al). Selman Waksman first used the term in 1941 when describing small molecules produced by microorganisms that prevent the growth of other microorganisms (Clardy et al). Antibiotics helped control the infection, allowing many injured people a second chance at life. The antibiotic discovered and first used to treat wartime infections was penicillin. Since the discovery of antibiotics, infection and disease control has become easier, but it has also been a medical pitfall. The effectiveness of any type of therapeutic agent is often compromised by the formation of resistance or tolerance to that compound. This is especially true for agents used to treat bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections; treated with antibiotics. The mechanisms that may be responsible for this phenomenon range from biological to physiological. Many agencies have recognized this problem and have taken steps to address it. To understand how antibiotics succeed or fail, it is necessary to understand their history and also the functions of bacteria in the human body. Additionally, it is important to know what a bacterium is and how it affects the human body. This will help doctors and researchers with solutions to prevent resistance. Although numerous resolutions and recommendations have been proposed, bacterial resistance to antibiotics is relentless. Bacteria were first noted in the 1800s, when there was an increase in the death of more... half of the paper... regulated polymerase , reducing mutations that confer resistance, can reduce mutation inhibition (Cirz). The evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is inevitable. You could say it is part of the evolutionary process of life. Antibiotic resistance is a major problem for treating infections and diseases, but steps can be taken to reduce its effects. By understanding the history, origin and functions of antibiotics and bacteria, solutions can be developed. To date, scientists and doctors are fighting bacterial resistance to antibiotics by taking measures such as proper consultation before prescribing certain antibiotics and more in-depth research on bacteria and antibiotics. There are numerous short-term solutions that help slow down the resistance process, but a long-term solution has yet to be discovered.