Antibiotics have been widely available, and commonly used, for over 50 years. They are beneficial in the treatment of many bacterial infections. They do not have any affect on viral infections. Antibiotics restrain the growth of, and or kill, bacteria. However, it is not only the pathogenic bacteria that are affected by the administration of antibiotics. The often harmless, more [antibiotic] susceptible, bacteria are usually killed or diminished as well. Thus, eliminating competition for the pathogenic and antibiotic resistant strains.
Bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics by:.
1. Degrading or causing a chemical change in the antibiotics.
2. Manufacturing pumps that export the antibiotics.
3. Inheriting or acquiring antibiotic resistant genes from other bacteria.
There is currently a dramatic increase of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This has come about by misuse, over-use, and under-use of antibiotics. One of many ways we misuse antibiotics is to demand them from a physician for ailments such as colds, flu's, or viral infections. The number of physicians who prescribe antibiotics without warrant magnifies this misuse. Under-use is accomplished when a patient does not complete the fully prescribed course of treatment. The possible outcome of under-use of antibiotics is that more of the harmless, susceptible bacteria are eliminated, giving rise to antibiotic resistant populations. Over-use, plainly stated, kills off the harmless, susceptible bacteria, leaving a large antibiotic resistant populace. More recently, we have begun to use an abundance of, "antibacterial- products in our daily routines. There are now antibacterial agents in most everything from hand soap to children's toys. It is believed that antibacterial agents give bacteria a, "double resistance,"" to both antibacterial agents and antibiotics. This is not good.
If we continue to use antibiotics in such a way as to create massive amounts of resistant strains, there will be no natural competition for the dangerous bacteria.
