Are We in a Post-Antibiotic Era? What Science Says

Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by admin22

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Are We in a Post-Antibiotic Era? What Science Says

Some experts claim that we are already in a post-antibiotic era, where these medications are no longer effective. Since the introduction of penicillin around 80 years ago, bacteria have started to develop resistance, making the battle between microbes and humans increasingly intense. Recent studies indicate that, in many aspects, we are losing this war.

Increasing Resistance and Lack of New Antibiotics

According to Christina Yek, a medical researcher at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the USA, antibiotic resistance has been ignored for too long. However, with rising resistance rates and a lack of new drugs, the situation is becoming critical. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest global public health challenges, causing approximately 5 million deaths annually. In the USA, more than 2.8 million resistant infections occur each year.

Rick Martinello, an infectious disease specialist at Yale Medicine, states that we are already in an era where antibiotics are no longer effective, resulting in higher mortality rates, prolonged infections, and longer hospital stays.

Increase in Hospital Infections

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem, with a 32% increase in resistant infections in hospitals. Bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacterales, which are resistant to carbapenems, are among the most concerning. The expectation was that infection rates would return to pre-pandemic levels, but this has not yet occurred.

Social Vulnerability and Resistance

Studies have shown that people with chronic illnesses, Hispanics, and individuals with lower income or educational levels are more susceptible to resistant infections. Additionally, black women with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales have higher mortality rates.

Image:  FABRIZIO BENSCH, Reuters, Redux

Excessive Use of Antibiotics

Bacterial resistance is exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics in medicine, agriculture, and livestock. Antibiotics are often used as growth promoters in animals and sprayed on crops, contributing to increased resistance.

Measures to Reduce Resistance

While new drugs are being developed, it is crucial to adopt measures to minimize resistant infections, such as proper hygiene, disinfection of medical devices, and rational use of antibiotics. Patients should be informed about the risks and seek alternatives when possible.

Rick Martinello suggests buying organic foods to reduce exposure to antibiotics and pushing for safer agricultural practices.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat that cannot be ignored. We are on the brink of a public health crisis where common infections could once again become fatal due to the ineffectiveness of available treatments. Science clearly shows that bacterial resistance is an ongoing battle, and so far, humans are at a disadvantage.

To address this threat, a collective and multidisciplinary effort is necessary. Governments, industries, healthcare professionals, and the general public need to work together to implement effective strategies. This includes the development of new antibiotics, the adoption of safer and more sustainable agricultural and veterinary practices, and public education on the responsible use of these medications.

Hospitals must continue to improve their infection prevention protocols, ensuring that hygiene practices are strictly followed and antibiotic use is closely monitored and controlled. Additionally, investing in research for new solutions, such as artificial intelligence to identify new therapies and biotechnology to develop more effective antibiotics, is essential.

Public awareness is equally important. Patients and consumers should be informed about the risks of indiscriminate antibiotic use and encouraged to choose organic foods and support policies that restrict the use of antibiotics in agriculture.

Ultimately, the fight against antibiotic resistance is a race against time. Inaction is not an option, and each of us has a role to play in ensuring that these vital medications remain effective for future generations. Global cooperation and a commitment to sustainable and innovative practices are essential to win this battle and ensure a future where infections can be treated effectively and safely.