One analogy I like using to describe the use of antibiotics and disease is that of an "arms race." This race is between Humans and Disease in which one is trying to outcompete the other. Through natural processes, diseases and infections are programmed to survive and result in sickness within our bodies. As a response, scientists develop antibiotics and countermeasures to these diseases. The diseases then evolve and develop immunities to certain countermeasures, and the cycle continues.
The articles by Dallas (2012) and the Food and Water Watch (2015) outline the importance of antibiotics in the food we eat. Dallas (2012) outlines that populations may be at risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due to the presence of livestock. This superbug is caused by the overuse of antibiotics in livestock and as a result, may be present in the food we eat. It is not difficult to find antibiotic resistant bacteria in livestock in Industrial farms due to the sheer quantity of livestock and product produced. "The FDA reported in 2011 that 80 percent of antibiotics in the United States are sold for agricultural purposes" The dangerous and real aspect of antibiotic resist bacteria is that it can spread from animals-to-humans via food, farms or contact with contaminated waste.
The articles by Dunn (2011) and Schettler (2016) discuss this antibiotic/disease arms race in the other settings. The article by Dunn (2011) discuss that antibiotic, antimicrobial, wipes and soaps are "no more likely than good old-fashioned soap to prevent gastrointestinal or respiratory illness." The use of triclosan, the common antibiotic compound, has shown no effect on the bacteria cells and may actually increase the presence of triclosan-resistant bacteria. The report by the Schettler (2016) discuss the presence of specific antimicrobial furnishings in a hospital setting. Hospitals are investing in furnishings that have antimicrobial properties and reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Schettler discusses that these furnishings have rarely been evaluated in clinical studies for their effectiveness in reducing healthcare-associated infections. He recommends further research and inquiries into the growing use of products containing such antimicrobials at the risk of developing resistant strains and the true efficacy of such products in preventing infections.
Reference:
Dallas, M. (2012). Nearby Livestock May Raise 'Superbug' Risk. MedicineNet.com. Retrieved from: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=163935
Dunn, R. (2011). Scientist Discover that Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society) Sick. Scientific American. Retrieved from: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/scientists-discover-that-antimicrobial-wipes-and-soaps-may-be-making-you-and-society-sick/
Food and Water Watch. (2015) Antibiotic Resistance 101. Food and Water Watch. Retrieved from: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/insight/antibiotic-resistance-101
Schettler, T. (2016). Antimicrobials in Hospital Furnishings: Do They Help Reduce Healthcare-ASsociated Infections?. Health Care Without Harm. Retrieved from: https://noharm-uscanada.org/sites/default/files/documents-files/3854/Antimicrobials%20Report%202016_1.pdf
After learning about triclosan, I reviewed the ingredients in my toothpaste and hand soap. Unfortunately, I will have to discontinue the use of my toothpaste because it contains triclosan. Being aware of these ingredients and preventing the use of the products will force manufacturers to discontinue the use of harmful ingredients.
ReplyDeleteSuch a well-researched piece! I really enjoyed reading about your use of analogy in describing this topic. Prior to our recent readings on triclosan and antimicrobials, I didn't realize that manufacturers used these chemicals in furnishings. However, it surely makes sense, especially in the case of hospital furnishings.
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