PharmaCon #3: The Post Antibiotic Era

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance occurs when there is a change in the bacterial cell that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of certain antibiotic drugs. Antibiotic resistance is one of the CDC’s top concerns and has been said to be one of the worlds most serious public health issues. Since the discovery of antibiotics in the early 1920’s just about every bacteria have become stronger at fighting off antibiotic treatment.

In 2013 a kiwi man named Brian Pool was the first man reported to have contracted an aggressive super-bacteria called KPC-Oxa 48. This superbug can not be killed by any known antibiotic. After spending 6 months in quarantine Brian died from complications caused by a stroke but doctors say his immune system was severely compromised from fighting off the bacteria. A microbiologist at the hospital was quoted saying “Nothing would touch it. Absolutely nothing. Its the first one that we’ve ever seen that is resistant to every single antibiotic”.

Top half is the bacteria KPC-Oxa 48. The bottom half is a common skin bacteria and the white circles are different types of antibiotics.

Then In 2015 scientists who were surveilling pig farms in china discovered a form of E. Coli that built up a resistance to the strongest antibiotic we currently have, Colistin. Since then there have been 2 more Colistin resistant genes that were found in China.

There are two ways bacteria can spread these resistant genes. The first way is through its chromosomal DNA which gets passed off to its offspring. The second and more frightening way is through the bacterias Plasmid. If the resistant gene is in the plasmid of the cell the bacteria can pass these genes simply by coming into contact with another bacteria even a bacteria of a completely different species.

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What is the Post Antibiotic Era?

The term “Post Antibiotic Era” refers to a time in the near future when antibiotics are no longer effective at treating bacterial infections. Since the 1920’s when Alexander Flemming first discovered the antibiotic Penicillin we have been living in the Antibiotic Era. During this time period the lifespan of an average American has increased by about 30 years.

Modern medicine can do extraordinary things to keep humans alive but much of it would not be possible without antibiotics. If antibiotics lose their effectiveness we would no longer be able to treat many types of infectious disease. Not only that but procedures like organ transplants, knee implants and kidney dialysis would be all but impossible due to the extreme risk of bacterial infection.

Any open-cavity surgery on the lungs, heart or abdomen would rarely be successful and surgeries on any part of the body that harbors bacteria like the bladder, genitals, or the gut would also have a low success rate. Cosmetic surgery and liposuction would rarely be attempted and people would no longer get tattoos or play sports where a simple scratch could be fatal. Life in the Post Antibiotic Era would be similar to the Pre-Antibiotic Era except for the fact that these new forms of bacteria would be stronger, more resilient and deadlier than ever.

Before antibiotics 5 women out of every 1,000 died in child birth, 3 out of 10 people who contracted pneumonia died and 1 out of every 9 skin infections were fatal. In the Post Antibiotic Era we would not only lose the wonders of modern medicine, we would also lose access to our cheap modern food supply. Most of the meat the industrialized world consumes comes from livestock that has been raised with the use of antibiotics.

Without capable antibiotics pigs, cows, fish and poultry would have to be produced in ways other than the overpopulated unsanitary conditions of a factory farm. Farmers would have to change their methods, spending more money on livestock that produce less profits. As you can see life in this era would suck so we should do what we can to prevent that day from coming.

What can we do

7 out of 10 Americans are prescribed antibiotics when they are treated for the common cold and only 3 out of 10 of them use them as prescribed. Did you know that the Common Cold, Bronchitis and most sore throats are caused by virus and antibiotic do nothing to combat these infections. a patient with a viral infection may pressure their doctors into prescribing them antibiotics in hopes of a quick fix.

We should trust our doctors know whats best for us and not try to tell them how to do their jobs. People will also misuse their antibiotics. You should always take your medication as prescribed.

Make sure to take your medicine on time. A few minutes shouldn’t hurt but you make sure to take it according to the prescribed time schedule. Set an alert on your phone as a reminder to take your meds. Also If it says to take on a full stomach eat something before hand and if it says take on an empty stomach plan your day so your hungry when its about time to take your medication.

Do not prematurely stop treatment. Some patients may stop using their antibiotics too soon because they are feeling better. Do not do this, If you stop treatment too early you might not have killed off all the bacteria and the ones that survived will reproduce and those are usually the stronger ones with a resistance to the antibiotic.

Do not save medication for another time when you get sick and do not give leftover antibiotics to a family member. Also do not dispose of unused antibiotics in the toilet or the sink. This could lead to bacterial resistance in your home or septic tank. If you have any medication you want disposed take it to the the police station. Many police stations have drop box for unused or expired medications. And finally you should always keep your home clean. Cleanliness is next to godliness.

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