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http://www.thescotsman.co.uk/index.cfm?id=1077142003
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Antibiotics may be useless in a decade: The Scotsman
- Thread starter Ivan Seeking
- Start date
In summary, an antibiotic crisis could lead to thousands of people dying from previously treatable illnesses by 2015, and over-prescription is leading to increased resistance from disease. A variety of research is being done to find new antibiotics, and insects are also being studied for their potential to produce antibiotics.
http://www.thescotsman.co.uk/index.cfm?id=1077142003
- #2
iansmith
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I am so suprise
. Doctor in the province of Quebec (where I live) prescribe the most antibiotic per capita in north america. One of my friend got prescribed antibiotic after the doctor toll her she migth viral infection. My friend toll the Doctor she was studying microbiology and that she knew antibiotic can kill virus, and the doctor answer that it was in case. I think doctor prescribes antibiotic to reasure patients.
We also learn that antibiotic resistance was also link to the use of antibiotic in farming. Research have been done since the early 1980 which is when the salmonella antibiotic resistant strain appeared. Some european country have actually band the use of antibiotic for human on farm animal. It's been show that it may help reduce resistance at least in the human intestinal track.
On another notes, there actually research being done with insects. Insects immune system produce an array of antimicrobial coumpounds. Pharmaceutical company are working desperatly to create these new antibiotics.
And for an ironic comment, Alexander Flemming (He discovered penicillin) had actually predicted the rise of antibiotic resistance.
. Doctor in the province of Quebec (where I live) prescribe the most antibiotic per capita in north america. One of my friend got prescribed antibiotic after the doctor toll her she migth viral infection. My friend toll the Doctor she was studying microbiology and that she knew antibiotic can kill virus, and the doctor answer that it was in case. I think doctor prescribes antibiotic to reasure patients.We also learn that antibiotic resistance was also link to the use of antibiotic in farming. Research have been done since the early 1980 which is when the salmonella antibiotic resistant strain appeared. Some european country have actually band the use of antibiotic for human on farm animal. It's been show that it may help reduce resistance at least in the human intestinal track.
On another notes, there actually research being done with insects. Insects immune system produce an array of antimicrobial coumpounds. Pharmaceutical company are working desperatly to create these new antibiotics.
And for an ironic comment, Alexander Flemming (He discovered penicillin) had actually predicted the rise of antibiotic resistance.
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Originally posted by iansmith
I am so suprise
We also learn that antibiotic resistance was also link to the use of antibiotic in farming. Research have been done since the early 1980 which is when the salmonella antibiotic resistant strain appeared. Some european country have actually band the use of antibiotic for human on farm animal. It's been show that it may help reduce resistance at least in the human intestinal track.
On another notes, there actually research being done with insects. Insects immune system produce an array of antimicrobial coumpounds. Pharmaceutical company are working desperatly to create these new antibiotics.
And for an ironic comment, Alexander Flemming (He discovered penicillin) had actually predicted the rise of antibiotic resistance.
I remember listening to the head of the CDC declare an end to the antibiotic era. Here is a related link with some interesting info.
http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/index.htm
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- #4
BoulderHead
I've heard the stories about the antiviotic crisis. Maybe something else will be developed (DDT, anyone?). Thank goodness I'll be outta here well before the tish hits the fan.
- #5
russ_watters
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Its a real problem that for now biotech firms are staying ahead of. Hopefully genetic engineering will find a way out before our super-antibiotics start falling behind.
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Are these already in use? Testing? I have been waiting for these to hit. The last time that I checked [in many cases] vancomycin was still the last line of defense.
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Monique
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I wonder, how long would it take for a bacterium to loose the restistance gene to an antibiotic if that antibiotic was completely taken off the market?
Would, say, after 10 years the gene be completely lost? Since bacteria ARE very selective of their gene load, they get rid of the things they don't need relatively quick.
The same principle of how a farmer manages his land, he rotates his crops year by year so that pests are prevented from settling in the soil.
Rotate antibiotics to get rid of resistance.
Would, say, after 10 years the gene be completely lost? Since bacteria ARE very selective of their gene load, they get rid of the things they don't need relatively quick.
The same principle of how a farmer manages his land, he rotates his crops year by year so that pests are prevented from settling in the soil.
Rotate antibiotics to get rid of resistance.
1. What is the reason for antibiotics becoming useless in a decade?
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making current antibiotics ineffective in treating infections.
2. How can we prevent antibiotics from becoming useless?
To prevent antibiotics from becoming useless, it is important to use them only when necessary and as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Additionally, developing new antibiotics and alternative treatments is crucial.
3. What are the consequences of widespread antibiotic resistance?
Widespread antibiotic resistance can lead to longer and more severe infections, increased healthcare costs, and even death in some cases. It also makes it difficult to treat common infections and can make surgeries and cancer treatments more risky.
4. Is the use of antibiotics in agriculture contributing to antibiotic resistance?
Yes, the use of antibiotics in agriculture, particularly in livestock, is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are often used to promote growth and prevent infections in animals, leading to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to humans.
5. What steps are being taken to address the issue of antibiotic resistance?
Governments and healthcare organizations around the world are implementing policies to reduce the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Additionally, there is ongoing research and development to create new antibiotics and alternative treatments for infections.
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