People get sick and immediately assume they need antibiotics. We have created a monster within ourselves and continue to allow this monster to grow: antibiotic resistant bacteria. Bacteria acquire this unique ability to evade antimicrobials spontaneously and randomly through genetic mutations, and then pass this resistance onto their progeny. Many millions of tons of antibiotics have been distributed over time making the resistance a constant change in medicine. Certain bacteria, especially gram-negatives, are much more resistant in their original form with the ability to evade defenses without the mutation. The rise of superbugs is a global issue that needs to be further understood.
One of the most commonly talked about superbugs is MRSA or VRSA, which are 2 different strains of Staph. aureus that are now resistant to two different antibiotics. Other common bacteria with resistance are Strep pneumoniae, Enterococcus, and C. difficile. These certain bacteria cause very common diseases, some that can be fatal. With a lack of ability to produce more effective techniques that antibiotics to eliminate bacteria, the chances of more bacteria developing resistance is rising. One of the causes of this has been linked to the use of antibiotics in farming. The animals are grown in undesirable conditions, and they are given antibiotics to aid in growth and development, but at the risk of generating more antibiotic resistant bacteria able to survive within them. These new methods are correlating with a rise in meat consumption, spreading the bacteria to the consumers. Hotspots of this kind of antibiotic resistance are happening globally, and it is creating a potential crisis across the globe.
Not only are these superbugs obtaining antibiotic resistance, but they can acquire gene mutations allowing greater virulence and easier spread. A lack of alternative methods for antibiotic use is a top priority in the medical field currently to try and combat the projections of mortality from superbugs. A global crisis has been happening for years, yet people still assume using antibiotics are helping rather than harming. I am very worried for the future with these very common, very resistant, very virulent, and very easily spread diseases to continue to cause deaths around the world. Being more educated on what you are putting into your body and the effects it will have long term is something more people need to be taking initiative towards.
Ashley Broke's Blog 