Background:
The issue of antibiotic resistance is a well-known problem in the medical field. It refers to the ability of bacteria and other microbes to withstand drugs that were once lethal to them. This resistance occurs as a natural evolutionary response when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, often due to misuse or overuse of these drugs in humans and animals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria or other microbes become resistant to the effects of an antibiotic. This means that the drug, which once killed off or stopped the growth of these organisms, no longer has any effect.
2. How does antibiotic resistance relate with global change?
A research team led by a scientist from Freie Universität Berlin proposes that increased levels of antibiotic-resistance genes should be seen as a new factor in global change – much like climate change – which could impact environmental health and stability.
3. What are Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs)?
These are genetic bits within microorganisms responsible for their ability to fight off antibiotics. The high level of ARGs can pose serious threats because they can be transferred between species – leading more types becoming untreatable with standard antibiotics.
4. How do these genes come into play?
ARGs come into play through various means including inappropriate usage, incorrect disposal methods for unused antibiotics, poorly treated sewage containing residual antibiotics released back into nature – each contributing significantly toward this proposed „factor“ for global change.
5. Why should we consider elevated levels of ARGs a new factor in global change?
Medical advancements have been pushing boundaries when it comes to treating bacterial infections but this surge in ARG’s threatens those advancements, mirroring how climate changes threaten our earth’s ecosystems- thus warranting it being recognized as its own form contributor towards worldwide shift.
6.. Who conducted this research study?
The international research team was led by scientists from Freie Universität Berlin.
7. What are the implications of this research study?
This research highlights a new dimension to how we understand and frame global change. Recognising increased levels of antibiotic resistance genes as a factor in global change would mean increased awareness, policy changes, and amplified efforts for intervention measures, alongside climate change initiatives.
8. What can be done at an individual level to help contain this problem?
While it requires collective action from private sector, governments and international organisations – individuals also play part. We can use antibiotics judiciously by only taking them when prescribed by professionals; not demand antibiotics if healthcare providers say they aren’t needed; never use leftover medications or share them with others; practice good hygiene reducing spread of resistant bacteria among people, animals & environment.
9.. Where can I find more details about the study?
You can read more about the study by following the link provided in press release: http://idw-online.de/de/news837228
Originamitteilung:
International research team led by scientist from Freie Universität Berlin proposes that elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes be considered a new factor of global change