What is penicillin primarily used to treat?

Penicillin is primarily used to treat bacterial infections due to its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is a type of antibiotic that targets the cell wall synthesis mechanism of certain bacteria, leading to cell lysis and ultimately, the death of the bacteria. This makes penicillin effective against a variety of bacterial infections, including those caused by streptococci and staphylococci.

In contrast, its effectiveness does not extend to viral infections, which require different types of antiviral medications, nor does it work against fungal infections or parasite infestations. Each of these conditions demands specific treatments that address their unique biological mechanisms, which is why penicillin is specifically recognized for its role in combating bacterial infections.