Electron Micrograph of Anti-biotic Resistant Bactera |
There are two genes which cause this resistance: KPC found in New York and NDM-1 found in South Asia. A study proved that these two genes can be shared within a family of bacteria. These genes are very deadly for patients with vulnerable immune systems - there's a 50% or more mortality rate for these patients.
In addition to these findings, recent studies have found that intermingling of these two genes have already begun in China. Many experts are dreading this as it looks like the start of a "post anti-biotic era".
This is very alarming due to the fact that carbapenems are the hospitals' last resort on anti-biotic resistant bacteria, If new anti-biotics are not found soon, then the mortality rate for patients with weak immune systems will only increase. If carbapenems are a last resort for the most ill patients, than other anti-biotics used for the "not-so-critical" patients could most likely have no effect. This means that everyone is at risk to these new super-bugs and scientist need to search for a way to create new, stronger anti-biotics.
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This is a huge problem in society! This is because the medical field is a business, to make profit. There is not a single organization manufacturing medicine "for the good of the people" - instead doctors push certain medications upon patients for the simplest of symptoms. They over/under-use or misuse of medications cause bacteria to build resistance! When a super - bug does come about (I feel like its more of a 'when' than 'if' kinda situation) - we're all screwed!
ReplyDeleteI very much agree. You would think that as it is their sworn oath to save lives that they would do everything they can to do so. I know that doctor's have a tendency to push medications on patients- they do it all of the time in the E.R. just to get them out of their way.It's sad
ReplyDeleteWhile over use of antibiotics is a problem, another problem is that people don't take their antibiotics properly. I know many people who will take their antibiotics the first couple of days, but once they feel better they will stop. What they don't realize is that they are helping the bacteria gain resistance by stopping the course half way through. It's important that if you do have a bacterial illness, you take the full dosage of the medicine for the complete time that is prescribed for you.
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