1. Bacterial Evoluation and Antibiotic Resistance

2. Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infection
Literal translation
anti – against
biotic – living things

3. Discovery Alexander Fleming in 1928
He was an extremely messy scientist
Came back from holiday to see discover mold growing on his Staphylococcus agar plates
Noticed that the Staphylococcus couldn’t grow anywhere near the mold
The mold prevented bacterial growth!

4. How antibiotics work Antibiotics can be either:
Broad Spectrum
Kill a wide range of bacteria Ex: Penicillin
Narrow Spectrum
Kill a specific type or group of bacteria Ex: Isoniazid – treat TB
Antibiotics work in one of two ways:
Bactericidal
Kills the bacteria itself
Bacteriostatic
Prevents the bacteria from dividing

5. Miracle Cure?
Before the 1930’s: there were no treatments for bacterial infections
Following the discovery of penicillin: the industry started searching for more antibiotics in nature
Streptomycin: 1st drug to have an effect on tuberculosis – a condition previously untreatable
Advantage: surgeons could attempt more dangerous operations

6. Overuse of antibiotics can damage our normal/good bacteria.
Miracle Cure?
Overuse of antibiotics can damage our normal/good bacteria.
Many antibiotics prescribed by the doctor are broad spectrum
These kill the body’s good bacteria as well as the bad
With the good bacteria gone there is more room for bad microbes to invade!

7. Antibiotics Resistance
Miracle Cure?
Antibiotics Resistance
Many bacteria have developed the ability to become resistant to antibiotics.
These bacteria are now a major threat in our hospitals.
Antibiotic resistant bacteria include Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Video

8. Antibiotics Need Time to Work
Day 1 R
Antibiotics Need Time to Work
Day 5 R X
Antibiotics prescribed
Day 10 R X
Infection cured!
Antibiotics also need time to do their work!
Medication taken for full course of treatment

9. Incomplete Treatment Causes Resistance
Day 0 R
Antibiotics prescribed R X
Day 3
Symptoms improved, treatment stopped R
Day 10
Resistant infection
Meanwhile, the survivors multiply.
Quitting treatment too early only kills the susceptible (“weak”) bacteria, leaving the resistant (“strong”) ones to multiply.

10. Antibiotic Resistance
The Causes
Overuse
Antibiotics used to treat infections when they are not needed or not effective Ex: for the flu
Misuse
Not completing a prescribed course
Using antibiotics not prescribed for you

11. How antibiotic resistance can be prevented
Antibiotics should be the last line of defense NOT the first
Most common infections will get better by themselves through time, bed rest, liquid intake and healthy living.
Only take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor
If prescribed antibiotics, finish the course.
Do not use other peoples or leftover antibiotics
They be specific for some other infection