Antibiotics Resistance
Antibiotic is a type of a substance or compound that attacks and kills
bacteria. It often produces an antagonistic effect to bacteria, which then
inhibits its growth. It works by interfering the bodys normal cellular process
that bacteria need to thrive and survive. This includes preventing the
production of the bacterial cell wall, stopping the synthesis of DNA and RNA,
as well as hindering the bodys protein synthesis. Thus, antibiotics are often
used to treat various types of infections caused by numerous microorganisms
such as protozoa and fungi.
Although this substance has been used for many years to combat the
harmful effects of bacteria, recent researches show that frequent use of
antibiotic can also cause the reduction of its effectiveness. This occurrence
is referred to as antibiotic resistance. This happens when the microorganism
has evolved or mutated to counter the actions of the drug. It usually takes
place when the bacteria produce enzymes that neutralize the antibacterial
compound. Some microorganism responds by changing the permeability of their
membrane, which prevents the drug from diffusing through.
This drug-fighting resistance gene of bacteria is often acquired by
integrating and transferring DNA with another microbe. By simply surviving the
attacks of the drug, the microorganism can then pass this resistance-gene to
its progeny, which will likewise, resist the effects of the antibiotic (How
Stuff Works, 2009).
Antibiotic resistance is mainly caused by the misuse of this drug. For
instance, some people unnecessarily use antibiotic to cure illnesses such as
common cold. Some on the other hand, would take in more than the prescribed
volume while others do not finish the prescribed course of antibiotic intake.
There are also cases wherein these drugs are used in animals that also
serve as human foods. Some farm animal producers supply pigs, chickens, and
cattle with antibiotics in animal feed to promote its growth. This can cause
serious health concerns to humans. At the same time, it can also be the cause
of super bugs that causes disease to both animals and humans.
The less than judicial use of antibiotic can cause a number of negative
effects to humans. Misuse of antibiotic can also cause the patient to suffer
from side effects. This includes diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, and even
inflammation of the bowel. Children, who are given antibiotics even when they
do not need it, are more susceptible to the drugs adverse side effects.
The emergence of super bugs or nasty bacteria strains that are extremely
adaptable to antibiotic pressures is also a major health concern caused by
antibiotic misuse. Examples of resistant pathogens include pseudomonas
aeruginosa, clostridium difficile, and salmonella and E. coli (Medicine.net,
2009). MRSA or methicillin-resistant staphylocossus aureus is also a type of
bacterium that is mainly responsible for human infections that are difficult to
treat (Medicine.net, 2009). This microbe displays a high resistant to a large
group of antibiotics (Medicine.net, 2009).
One way of reducing the development of opportunistic bacteria is by
rationally and judiciously using antibiotics. This means that patients should
limit the use of antibiotics. It should only be take in when it is prescribed
by the physician. It is also important to take note antibiotics do not respond
to viruses. As such, people should stop using it to treat virus-induced
illnesses or disease.
Similarly, it is also vital for patients to complete the course of
antibiotic treatment. Bacteria stay longer than symptoms do. This means that
the disappearance of symptoms do not automatically mean that the bacteria is no
longer there as some bacteria takes longer time to eradicate. Any unscathed
bacteria would only cause further infection and it may also proliferate to
infect others. It is likewise, important for patients to seek first the advice
of a physician before taking in any type of drug or antibiotic. This will
ensure that the patient is protected against the adverse effects of antibiotic.
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