M6.6: Use of Antibiotics

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE 101: HOW ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE ON FACTORY FARMS CAN MAKE YOU SICK

This was very informative report about how antibiotic resistance develops from industrial agriculture. Antibiotics are given to livestock to promote faster growth and as an attempt to prevent infections in densely packed and unsanitary concentrated animal feeding operations. I assume this is a preventative measure in regards to infections but it is certainly causing more harm than good. The report mentions that treatment of sick animals requires just a few animals to receive medicine for  short time and is less likely to contribute to antibiotic resistance. Instead of treating sick animals, agricultural farmers give antibiotics to an entire herd for an extended period of time, which helps AR bacteria to survive and reproduce. This antibiotic-resistant bacteria is then spread from meat to consumers causing AR bacterial infections in humans. The report discusses many recommendations to address this increasingly troublesome issue which includes Congress passing laws which would ban nontherapeutic uses of antibiotics in livestock and calls for the FDA and Government agencies to step in a conduct and fund more research. It is also important as consumers to buy organic meats.

NEARBY LIVESTOCK MAY RAISE 'SUPERBUG' RISK

This article discusses how those who live near livestock may have an increased risk of picking up a “superbug,” MRSA, according to a new study. Researchers discovered that regional density of livestock is a key risk factor for nasal carriage of livestock-associated MRSA. This is effecting many people who do not even have direct contact with livestock. This is linked with greater risk of infection later on. MRSA is a very hard to treat type of staph bacteria hat has become resistant to common antibiotics. This is very concerning and people who live near livestock need to be aware of this risk and more should be done to avoid this issue and prevent harm. I would like to know more information about this and I hope more studies are conducted to reveal the reach of exposure and what exactly is considered the range of living “near” livestock.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THAT ANTIMICROBIAL WIPES AND SOAPS MAY BE MAKING YOU (AND SOCIETY) SICK

This article discusses the harms of antimicrobial wipes and soaps. In fact as the article points out, people who use antibiotic soap are no healthier than those who use normal soap. I do find myself using the wipes at grocery stores or when I am out and don’t have access to a sink I use hand sanitizer, but now I will reconsider. I always just saw it as a safety measure that would kill the worst germs and protect me. The article discusses how the active ingredient of triclosan actually kills only “weak” bacteria but favors the tolerant species of bacteria that eat triclosan.

A REPORT ABOUT THE NEW PRACTICE OF INCORPORATING ANTIMICROBIALS INTO THE MANUFACTURE OF HOSPITAL FURNISHINGs

This is a very informative report that discusses Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and antimicrobials in hospital furnishings. Addressing HAIs has been a challenge in regards to following strict adherence and guidelines to protect patients and prevent the spread of infections. The challenge is even greater when infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Recognizing all of the sources of infection and utilizing new technological developments would seem to be a promising step toward reducing HAIs, however, the introduction of antimicrobials in hospital furnishings does not appear to be a suitable option. The lack of testing and research regarding these furnishings before they were implemented was not the best idea, though this seems to be the American way of introducing new chemicals and products; release it before thorough testing and lets see what happens! It is ridiculous. In fact, laboratory studies have shown that antimicrobial added to materials and products contributes to more antibiotic resistance in pathogens. We need to be smarter and more proactive in protecting from possible harms and do more research without allowing companies to make false marketing claims.