M6.6 Antibiotics

Antibiotic Resistance 101 

This article addresses the use of antibiotics in factory farms and the implications this has on human health. The argument presented is that the use of low-dose antibiotics in industrial farms for the purposes of preventing disease and promoting growth in farm animals is increasing the impact of antibiotic resistance in humans. Antibiotic resistant bacteria can spread from farm animals to humans via the food we consume. The populations most at risk are those with compromised immune systems (pregnant women, children, and elderly), although anyone can become ill from contacting antibiotic resistant bacteria.
I agree with the writers of the article in which Congress and the FDA are not sufficiently addressing the issue of antibiotic use in industrial farms. The resulting impacts result in an estimated 23,000 deaths in the United States yearly. It is imperative to regulate the use of these drugs so that human resistance to them does not increase, as long term impacts of this could be devastating to population health.

Superbug Risk

The implications of the 'superbug,'  methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is now present in communities who do not live near livestock. This is alarming since the superbug is naturally found in livestock animals. The spread of this superbug was made possible through nasal-carriage of MRSA.
MRSA is a hard to treat staph infection and has become resistant to antibiotics. Human heath is dependent on the prevention of diseases and infections. The spread of MRSA is an example of the type of diseases public health officials and lawmakers need address in order to prevent a large-scale infection that may not be preventable due to antibiotic resistance.

Antimicrobials: Hand Soaps and Hospitals 

Many of us have heard that antimicrobial soaps only kill the weakest germs. As explained in the two articles assigned, this is in fact true.
While we may feel safe buying and using antimicrobial soaps and cleaning products, we are actually creating a livable environment for the strongest germs and bacteria. This can be seen in hospital settings as well. The use of antimicrobial disinfectants in hospitals to prevent health-care associated infections is actually creating antibiotic resistance.
It is understandable why the use of antimicrobial products is increasing in popularity, as most feel that it is safer and cleaner to use these products. I am not sure how to address the use of antimicrobial disinfectants in hospitals, but I know that using regular hand soap and vigorously washing our hands with warm water can kill most germs.