Sulfa Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sulfa
[ˈsʌlfə ]
Definition
medical terminology
Sulfa refers to a group of synthetic antibacterial drugs derived from sulfanilamide. These medications are primarily used to treat bacterial infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Sulfa drugs were among the first antibiotics to be discovered and became widely used in the mid-20th century.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was prescribed sulfa drugs to treat her infection.
- Sulfa medications are effective against certain types of bacterial infections.
- Overuse of sulfa can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medical History
- Sulfa drugs were the first effective antibiotics discovered in the 1930s, revolutionizing treatment for bacterial infections.
- They were widely used during World War II, significantly reducing infection-related deaths among soldiers.
Science
- Sulfanilamide works by hindering the growth of bacteria, allowing the body's immune system to effectively fight off the infection.
- These drugs specifically target bacteria, making them ineffective against viral infections like the cold or flu.
Pop Culture
- In the movie 'The Great Escape', sulfa drugs play a role in helping injured prisoners of war, showcasing their historical significance.
- References to sulfa drugs can be found in various films and books about medicine, highlighting their importance in public health.
Cultural Impact
- The introduction of sulfa drugs paved the way for the development of modern antibiotics, profoundly influencing healthcare practices globally.
- Their success changed how infections were treated, leading to increased life expectancy and altering societal views towards medical science.
Origin of 'sulfa'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'sulfa' comes from 'sulfanilamide', which is a type of compound containing sulfur and is a key ingredient in these medicines.
- The naming reflects its chemical structure, highlighting the importance of sulfur in its effectiveness against germs.
The word 'sulfa' originates from 'sulfanilamide,' a compound that was first synthesized in the 1900s as part of the search for effective antibacterial agents. The introduction of sulfa drugs marked a significant breakthrough in medicine, leading to their widespread use in treating infections. Sulfanilamide itself was derived from sulfonamide, a class of compounds containing a sulfonyl group. The effectiveness of sulfa drugs during the 1930s and 1940s paved the way for further development of antibiotics and significantly reduced mortality rates from bacterial infections. The term 'sulfa' became commonly used in the medical community and is often associated with these early antibiotics, even as newer classes of antibiotics were developed.