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3.7 process information from secondary sources to discuss problems relating to antibiotic resistance

process information from secondary sources to discuss problems relating to antibiotic resistance

Background

Unfortunately, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the selection of more virulent bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

When antibiotics were first introduced, they had a dramatic effect on the pathogens that cause disease. Over time, it became apparent that the effects of the antibiotics were beginning to become less potent. This was because of the development of drug resistance in the pathogen. Each time an antibiotic is used, there may be some individual pathogens that have a natural resistance to the drug. These naturally resistant individuals are left to breed the next generation and pass on the genetic information that made them resistant. The next time the drug is used, it will have no effect. Overuse of antibiotics has resulted in “superbugs”. These strains are resistant to antibiotics and include vancomycin resistant golden staph (Staphylococcus aureus). These organisms are not destroyed by our strongest antibiotics. Scientists are developing new antibiotics such as Zyvox to deal with multi-resistant bacteria. In the future, unless new antibiotics are produced, common infections will once again be responsible for many deaths.

Many household products and cleaning agents now contain antibiotics. These do not kill all bacteria so act as a selecting agent for antibiotic resistant bacteria. These can increase in number without competing with other bacteria.

The use of antibiotics in farm animals also has the same effect of selecting for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Some farm industries put human antibiotics into the feed of their animals. Thus increasing the build up of antibiotic resistant bacteria. During the production of meat, animals are given antibiotics to prevent infections. When the meat reaches the table, it may still contain these animal antibiotics. This could lead to more antibiotic resistant bacteria.

It is important to complete a course of antibiotics even when the symptoms are gone. This will ensure that the bacteria have been completely destroyed. Not finishing antibiotics can lead to the selection of antibiotic resistant strains.