SUPERBUGS:
A GLOBAL THREAT n Twilight of the Idols, Freidrich Nietzsche dramatically acclaims that “what does not destroy me, makes me stronger.” Unbeknownst to him, Nietzsche had identified a phenomenon evident in numerous biological processes. One notable example is that of acquired antibiotic resistance, the evolution of bacterial strains to withstand drugs that once eliminated them, a prominent topic of discussion amongst public health experts, physicians, and international leaders. Exacerbated by the overuse of antibiotics in medical and animal agricultural industries, the proliferation of these “superbugs” severely threatens the health of our globalized society. Particularly vulnerable are marginalized communities disadvantaged by financial circumstances and a lack of reliable health-promoting resources. The emergence of resistant bacteria in response to the overuse of penicillin during the 1940s was a byproduct of natural selection. Organisms with mutations that protect them from the hazards of their environment tend to thrive. This was the crux of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. A single bacterium may spontaneously evolve a resistant mutation which can then be transferred via phages, lysis, or plasmids to neighboring bacteria. Unfortunately, this captivating dance of genetic adaptation became accelerated by human activities. A significant factor was the over-prescription of antibiotics in medical facilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30% of antibiotics prescribed in the United States are unnecessary. When adjusted for inappropriate selection, dosing, and duration, the figure rises to an astonishing 50%. Additionally, patients may use prescribed antibiotics improperly by failing to follow instructions for duration and dosage. This can result in failed treatment and necessitate more expensive and invasive therapies. The animal agriculture industry is also largely responsible. 80% of the antibiotics sold in the United States go to stimulate animal growth—not even to treat or prevent illness. The inappropriate introduction of antibiotics allows for existing bacteria to develop the aforementioned resistance. These traits inevitably proliferate to cause widespread genetic change amongst highly transmissible microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The apocalyptic ramifications of antibiotic resistance have already gripped the public, threatening global health. By reducing the efficacy of traditional treatments like penicillin, physicians are often forced to utilize stronger
SQ HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST MEGAN HAUBRICH
and more expensive medications. This has magnified global health care inequality by FRED C. BEYER HIGH SCHOOL rendering necessary therapies less affordable. Similarly, countries with inadequate In the seventh annual High School Essay access to clean water and lack of sanitation Contest, the SQ Community Outreach team systems suffer worse outcomes. The World asked high school students to write a 500-750 Health Organization asserts that over 2 word piece about a global issue affecting the billion people rely on drinking water taintworld today and its connection to biology. ed by feces and human-born pathogens. Coupled with the lack of soap-and-water SQ hopes this experience will encourage and handwashing stations, infections requiring celebrate science communication among professional intervention are inevitable. future scientists and inspire them to think Unfortunately, the promises of the medical about biology in a broader context. mantra “first, do no harm” do not always materialize. Between 1995 and 2008, over 15% of patients in low and middle-income countries acquired at least one additional infec- options, thus decreasing the burden of antibiottion each hospital stay. In addition to endanger- ic resistance on developing countries and those ing global health, commercial and sustenance financially hampered. Additionally, innovative animal agriculture may suffer declining pro- methods of reversing antibiotic resistance are ductivity when faced with outbreaks of antibiot- emerging. Researchers at UC San Diego, for ic-resistant infection, potentially threatening the example, have developed a gene drive which food security of dependent populations. Groups inactivates the resistance gene on a plasmid at with already unstable food supplies can face an efficiency 100 times greater than traditional malnourishment, a general contributor to poor CRISPR technologies. health. These challenges threaten to increase By refusing to surrender to these “superglobal morbidity and mortality rates concerning bugs,” humanity will indisputably manifest infectious disease, jeopardizing disadvantaged Nietzsche’s philosophy, for what communities. doesn’t kill us can only The severity of these outmake us stronger. comes prompts a critical quesantibiotic tion: what can we do to mitigate the consequences of antibiotic resistance? On an individual level, abstaining from improperly using these medications is of primary importance. This ina single bacterium with a resistant cludes taking antibiotics only mutation as prescribed for bacterial illnesses. Stopping treatment preresistant mutation can be transferred via phages, maturely or skipping doses makes lysis, or plasmids to medications less effective and provides neighboring bacteria an opportunity for resistance to develop. In addition to individual efforts, a multitude of widespread reforms must occur. This includes enforcing stricter regulations on antibiotic use and a global bacteria collaboration to address develop antibiotic underlying issues of inadresistance equate access to healthcare, water, and sanitation facing vulnerable populations. Tending to these needs would diminish the spread of resistant bacteria while increasing treatment
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Vol. 16 | Spring 2021 | 7
