A Brief History of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistance, and...
A Brief History of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Resistance, and Antibiotic Alternatives
Antibiotic Resistance and Alternatives
Antibiotics have been commonly, though mistakenly, thought of as the ultimate
cure, for almost all illness, for over half a century now. However, the intended use
of antibiotics is for the treatment of bacterial infections and diseases. Viruses or
fungi related illnesses will not be affected by antibiotics. This misunderstanding of
the use of antibiotics has led to overuse, or the misuse, of antibiotics, in a wide
range of countries worldwide. As a result of overuse, misuse, and abuse, antibiotics,
once hailed as the savior of mankind, are an increasing threat as bacteria grow ever
stronger. (Bunyard) The ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
aureus was one of the first publicized bacteria known to have become resistant to
penicillin. (Ed. Bonomo and Ed. Tolmasky) In London, just a few years after the
introduction of penicillin, strains of staphylococcus appeared that were resistant to
penicillin, not simply by keeping it out, but by actually destroying it. (Bunyard) S.
aureus caused serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, endocarditis, osteomylitis, and
toxic shock syndrome. (Ed. Bonomo and Ed. Tolmasky) The clinical impact of this
resistance was staggering; this harmful pathogen had once again become untreatable.
Since the 1940 s, antibiotic production has increased rapidly. By 1946, in one
hospital, 14% of the strains isolated from patients had gained such resistance. In
1949, the U.S. produced penicillin and streptomycin at the rate of 6.5 tons per
month. (Bunyard) In the early 1950 s, nearly 60% of the strains isolated from
patients had gained resistance. (Bunyard) By 1954, the rate of production of broad
spectrum antibiotics had tripled to 220 tons a year. Today, the quantity produced in
the U.S. alone is 18,000 tons a year, nearly half of which is used in the intensive
rearing of animals as growth promoters and for controlling disease on the farm,
which itself is largely a product of closely confined livestock. In the U.K., the Swann
Committee of 1969 warned of the dangers of antibiotic resistance from farmers using
antibiotic growth promoters, and recommended a ban specifically on the use