M6.6 Blog: Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotic Resistance 101: How Antibiotic Misuse on Factory Farms Can Make you Sick

Antibiotics are extremely important in human medicine. As a nursing student, I have learned that antibiotics help overcome various infections that someone may have. However, we are also taught that taking antibiotics unnecessarily or incorrectly, can cause antibiotic resistance. This article discussed that livestock is given antibiotics unnecessarily as a prophylaxis and to also promote faster growth. This is a major problem for us because since we eat the livestock, we are also ingesting all the antibiotics given to them. In this case, we are accelerative “the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria” which is extremely dangerous. 

Nearby Livestock May Raise ‘Superbug’ Risk

This article discussed that MRSA is now becoming a larger problem than it has been in the past. Before, MRSA was mostly contracted in hospitals, however, it is now becoming an issue within the community. Livestock has been found to carry MRSA which is dangerous because they are also being given antibiotics, and MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics. This is a problem because it is making livestock MRSA more resistant which poses a threat for those exposed to it. 

Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society) Sick

This article was really interesting because it discussed the idea that we believe that by using antimicrobial wipes and antibacterial soaps we are healthier. After perfoming several studies, the researchers concluded that there was little evidence suggesting this. A researcher at Columbia University also found that for chronically ill patients, those who used antibiotic soaps had an increased risk of getting sick. Bacteria is important in order to build resistance, and if we are constantly trying to reduce it, we are more likely to get sick when we do come into contact with it. Therefore, we should stop using all the extra wipes and simply wash our hands with regular soap and water.

A report about the new practice of incorporating antimicrobials into the manufacture of hospital furnishings

This article discussed that furniture for hospitals are being made with antimicrobial properties in order to try to protect patients from hospital acquired infections. However, there is not enough research to validate this. As we have learned today, sometimes trying to kill bacteria with harsh chemicals can cause resistance by the bacteria and cause bigger issues. The article recommended that hospitals ask suppliers to disclose any antimicrobials added to the materials which is a great idea.