Throughout history, our advancements in medicine have allowed us to live longer, prevent the spread of certain infectious diseases, fight infections and overall improve our quality of life. However, in recent years some of the important medical breakthroughs we have made as a society have been threatened by antibiotic resistance.
What is antibiotic resistance? In short antibiotic resistance is when antibiotics become less effective at treating the desired infection. It is caused by bacteria who evolve to be able to resist the drugs intended to kill them, so without antibiotics to terminate them, these bacteria begin to flourish and can cause persistent infections which could potentially ultimately lead to death.
A comparative view of non-resistant bacteria and drug resistant bacteria. Image Source: flickr
According to a 2018 study, in 2018 antibiotic resistance rates in Canada were 26%. According to projected models an increase in antibiotic resistance rates in the future could severely impact Canada’s economy. The study states that if resistance rates were to increase to 40% and a possible worse case 100% by 2050, Canada’s economy would be smaller. It could cause a decrease in the employment force which is said to likely have the largest impact in labour intensive jobs. On a global scale, antibiotic resistance could also have severe socioeconomic consequences. It is believed that the cost of treatment for resistant bacterial infection could approximately be 700 US dollars. This will have the largest impact on those who have a lower income and could potentially increase the presence of a socioeconomic divide. So, aside from the obvious medical impacts of antibiotic resistance, there is the various associated issues that arise which can decrease societal progressions.
Currently scientists are attempting to find solutions to this serious threat. A biotechnology company called Genentech has recently had a team of scientists that have developed a drug that can more easily penetrate the cell membranes of certain bacteria. Additionally it proved to be effective against various multidrug-resistant forms of some of these bacteria. Although this drug development is in its early stages, it could be very impactful in reducing antibiotic resistance and solving some of the resulting issues.
Image Source: flickr
This week (November 18th– 24th) is considered World Antibiotic Awareness Week, which is important in spreading awareness to the public about how to effectively use antibiotics to mitigate potential increases in antibiotic resistance. Some common ways that you can decrease antibiotic resistance rates are:
- Follow your medical prescription properly (don’t skip medication days)
- Don’t take antibiotics for infections such as a cold or the flu
- Try to with the help of a doctor see if there are possible solutions to provide comfort aside from the use of antibiotics.
Simple steps like these can be impactful in decreasing antibiotic resistance rates and gives us the power to fight against this looming threat.
-Shania Mander
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