1. Fight the Resistance By: Aaron Browder

2. History of Antibiotics Louis Pasteur was one of the first recognized physicians who observed that bacteria could be used to kill other bacteria. In 1929 Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish bacteriologist, went on a vaction and left a petri dish of staphylococci bacteria uncovered. When he returned, he noticed that there was mold growing on it. Upon further examination, he saw that the area around the mold had no bacteria growing. He named the mold Penicillium, and the chemical produced by the mold was named penicillin, which is the first substance recognized as an antibiotic. Almost immediately after penicillin was introduced, resistance in certain strains of staphylococci was noticed.

3. Over prescription For years, physicians have been concerned about the over-prescription of antibiotics and now, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Children's Hospital Boston have found that despite clear guidelines, physicians are over-prescribing antibiotics. Significantly more prescriptions are written than what is expected for actual rates -- 15 to 36 percent -- of strep throat among kids with sore throat.

4. Effects of antibiotic resistance Taking antibiotics for colds and other viral illnesses not only won't work, but it also has a dangerous side effect: over time, this practice helps create bacteria that have become more of a challenge to kill. Frequent and inappropriate use of antibiotics selects for strains of bacteria that can resist treatment. This is called bacterial resistance. These resistant bacteria require higher doses of medicine or stronger antibiotics to treat. Doctors have even found bacteria that are resistant to some of the most powerful antibiotics available today.

5. Tips to Reduce the Resistance Treat only bacterial infections. Seek advice and ask questions. Use antibiotics as prescribed. Don't save antibiotics for next time. Never use another person's prescription.

6. Livestock use The introduction of antibiotics in commercial feed for cattle, pigs, and chickens started in the early 1950s. Soon after livestock producers began using antimicrobials in food-producing animals, scientists began studying the possible effects of long-term use of antibiotics. In recent years, concerns about the use of antimicrobial products in food-producing animals have focused on human food safety because foods of animal origin are identified as vehicles of foodborne disease in humans. As a result of treating animals with antibiotics, foodborne bacteria may also be resistant to the antibiotics used to treat human disease.

7. Conclusion Antibiotics are among 20 th centuries great achievements. They have saved countless lives and it is vital to preserve there effectiveness to treat human diseases. Over-prescription, increased transmission, and livestock use make it more likely that antibiotics will become resistant.