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.

KL
Answered by Karl L. Biology tutor

3995 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of translation (4-6 mark)


Why is it that an action potential only travels in one direction?


What are the key features of parasites?


Explain pieces of evidence that support the theory that mitochondria evolved from bacteria?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning