We are Heading Towards A "Post-antibiotic Era"

Drawing by Luis Quiles.

This year the WHO warned that we could be headed towards a "post-antibiotic era". This is where more people will die from common infections such as Chickenpox, African trypanosomiasis, Common Cold, tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS. If that happens, medical practice as we know it will change drastically.

Antibiotic resistance takes place when bacteria changes in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of chemicals drugs, or other agents designed to cure or prevent infections. African trypanosomiasisis is spread by tsetse fly which is found in most woodlands in Africa. The WHO estimates that nearly 500,000 cases occur each year. If the disease goes untreated in its 1st stage it may cause irreparable neurological damage, if it goes untreated in its 2nd stage, it is fatal.

 Antibiotics should be used to treat bacterial infections, they are not effective against viral infections like the common cold and sore throats. Doctors are now finding that more and more bacteria are resistant to even the strongest antibiotics available in their laboratories. For instance if one gets hit by a vehicle, emergency paramedics doctors can help by putting one back together but the bacteria that get into the wound will cause an infection, if the doctors can’t treat that infection, the victim can’t really be saved.

 Resistance to Antibiotic is being generated by not only using too many antibiotics on daily basis but also by the spread of infection by lack of proper hygiene, from unintended contact with soiled surfaces, so the infection control side is equally important. We all need to take urgent action on a global level to prevent the catastrophe that a post-antibiotic era would cause in the near future.

Don't forget to drop your opinion on this.