• Question: If you are born with a genetic disorder one day will there be an anti biotic that can cure it ?

    Asked by Scientist Chloe to Marikka, Matt, Rob on 20 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Robert Hampson

      Robert Hampson answered on 20 Nov 2014:

      No. Antibiotics only target bacteria. They will not effect genetic disorders.

      Some genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis can cause regularl bacterial infections. Antibiotics can treat these infections but the patient will still have the genetic disorder.

      It may be possible to treat some genetic diseases in future using something called gene therapy. However, this still requires a lot of research!

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