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Lindsey 2
(Transition: Now that we have an idea about what antibiotic resistance is; now lets see why its
a problem.)
II. Causes
A. Overuse of antibiotics - A recent FDA article reports that the biggest cause of
antibiotic resistant organisms is the overuse of antibiotics (September 2003).
1. Example, only 15% of sore throats are found to be bacterial
2. Remember, viruses (like colds and flus) dont respond to antibiotics
3. However, for 85% of sore throats seen in the hospitals, the patients are given
antibioticsoften because the patients demand it
4. David Bell, M.D., the CDC's antimicrobial resistance coordinator explains,
"Every year, tens of millions of prescriptions for antibiotics are written to treat
viral illnesses for which these antibiotics offer no benefits" (September 2003)
B. Improper use of antibiotics - In 2000, the National Institutes of Health reported that
improper use of antibiotics by patients was exacerbating problem of antibiotic
resistance (June 2000).
1.
2.
3.
4.
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B. Use antibiotics properly - Janice Soreth, M.D., director of the FDA's Division of
Anti-Infective Drug Products gives us tips on how to properly use antibiotics:
1. Never take antibiotics for a viral infection such as a cold, the flu, or even most
middle ear infections (check with your doctor)
2. Always finish your medicines when you do get antibiotics
3. Never take someone elses antibiotics or use old antibiotics
C. When it comes to antimicrobial cleansers
1. Just dont use them, not proven to be effective
2. Soap and water will work just fine
(Internal Summary: So talk to your physician about antibiotics, take your medicine when and
where it is appropriate, and stay away from those antimicrobial soaps and we can all help prevent
the spread of antibiotic resistance)
Summary: Now we know what antibiotic resistance is, we can also see how big of a malady it is.
Fortunately, weve also armed ourselves with a number of possible solutions to help prevent the
spread of antibiotic resistance.
Conclusion: I implore you to take action against this frightening and potentially devastating
problem. We cannot rely on researchers to continue the creation of new miracle drugs to fight off
super-bugs. We need to take the initiative and do what WE can to fight antibiotic resistance.
Lindsey 4
Works Consulted
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features/2002/402_bugs.html>
Blondel-Hill, Edith. Optimal Antibiotic Use. Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance. 2 Oct.
2003. 30 Nov. 2003. < http://www.ccar-ccra.com/>
Environmental Media Services. Fast Facts. 17 Jun. 2002. 30 Nov. 2003. <http://www.ems.org/
antibiotics/sub2_antibiotics.html>
Hamdy, Ronald C. Antibiotic Resistance: Have We Become the Dinosaurs? (editorial) Southern
Medical Journal. 96. (Oct. 2003): 945-946.
Kaufman, Marc. FDA Combats Resistance to Antibiotics; Worry Over Germs Means Makers of
Animal Drugs Must Assess Human Parallels. The Washington Post [Final edition] 15 Sept.
2002: A-09.
Landro, Laura. The Informed Patient: The Battle Against Superbugs Needs Some Recruits:
Patients. Wall Street Journal [Eastern edition] 26 Sept. 2002: D6.
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of Antibiotics. 5 Nov. 2003. 30 Nov. 2003. < http://www.tufts.edu/med/apua/
Patients/patient.html>
Lieberman, Patricia. Protecting the Crown Jewels of Medicine. Center for Science In the Public
Interest. 15 Feb. 1998. 30 Nov. 2003. <http://www.cspinet.org/reports/abiotic.htm>
National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services. Antimicrobial Resistance
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Soreth, Janice. Division of Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Commission Report. U.S. Food & Drug
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National Institute for Science Education (NISE), study funded by the National Science Foundation
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Walters, Mark Jerome. Six Modern Plagues and How We are Causing Them. Washington: Island
2003): 2265.