Humans soon to become resistant to antibiotics
Scientists are warning that antibiotic resistance will become a very real threat in the coming decades, at a “terrible human and economic cost.”
The study, funded by the UK Government and undertaken by economist Lord Jim O’Neill, revealed that drug-resistant infections are growing at such a shocking rate that routine surgeries such as caesareans and joint replacements will become incredibly dangerous. In fact, it is believed that 10 million people a year will die from drug-resistant infections by 2050 – that’s even more than the current number of deaths due to cancer.
The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria is being blamed on the over-prescription of antibiotics and anti-fungals to treat relatively minor ailments, including the common cold. Another possible source of resistance is coming from an unlikely place – your plate. Research has shown that pigs, which are often given antibiotics to prevent diseases spreading among livestock, could be passing them down to humans through eating pork. MRSA (a staph infection) is just one of the superbugs posing a challenge to doctors and scientists, as it is almost untreatable with antibiotics.
England’s chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, has warned that the UK and other countries could be facing an “apocalyptic scenario” if preventative measures are not put in place soon.
What do you think can be done to stop antibiotic resistance? Tell us in the comment section below.
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