Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance

When were antibiotics discovered? 1928 by Alexander Fleming; Penicillin Fleming receiving Nobel Prize in 1945

What did people die from in early 1900’s? Mostly infectious diseases – many caused by bacteria Thanks to mass- production of antibiotics 

How common is the use of antibiotics? -1998, 80 million prescriptions filled in U.S. (12,500 tons) - Additional 18,000 tons due to use in farm animals

So what happens with lots of antibiotic use? Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics (70% of bacteria which cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one antibiotic)

How big of a problem are antibiotic- resistant bacteria? In 2005, more people died from MRSA (a multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria) than from AIDS. Most are connected with a hospital stay, but 15% occurred in people with no known health risk.

How do bacteria become antibiotic-resistant? Natural Selection 1.Genetic variation. 2.Overproduction of offspring. 3.Competition for resources. 4.Those that survive can pass on genes.

How can we slow the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria? 1.Don’t take antibiotics for a viral infection. 2. Take entire prescription. 3. Don’t save antibiotics. 4. Don’t use somebody else’s medication. (old; not correct dose)