Use of Antibiotics

NEARBY LIVESTOCK MAY RAISE 'SUPERBUG' RISK:

I found it interesting that MRSA is something that may also be acquired through exposure to livestock. However, when considering that much of our livestock receives antibiotics, it is less surprising to me that MRSA is something to be concerned about when it comes to live stock exposure. Of particular note in this article was that MRSA had almost exclusively been found in those within the observational study who had direct contact with livestock. Also, those who are in direct contact with livestock have a 24-77% increase in MRSA infection. 

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE 101: HOW ANTIBIOTIC MISUSE ON FACTORY FARMS CAN MAKE YOU SICK

This article expounded on the dangers of using antibiotics in agriculture. 80% of antibiotics sold in the US in 2011 had been used for agricultural purposes (p. 2).  Much of the meat injected with these antibiotics is in turn, infected with powerfully resistant bacteria, or Antibiotic-Resistant (AR) bacteria. As this meat is then sold to the public, we can also be exposed to AR bacteria. In particular, those in lower-income brackets, who do not have access to healthier foods, are disproportionately at risk for AR infection acquired through their food (p. 2). What is most shocking, however, is that the FDA has not taken steps to reduce or halt the use of antibiotics within the agricultural industry (p. 2).

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THAT ANTIMICROBIAL WIPES AND SOAPS MAY BE MAKING YOU (AND SOCIETY) SICK

This blog relates the information found through the efforts of researchers, such as Allison Aiello of the University of Michigan, who discovered that antibiotic soaps either do not improve your chances of getting infected over regular hand soap, or can actually increase your risk of infection. Although regular soap has been shown to reduce the rates of infection, there as been evidence to show that the harsh chemicals making up antibiotic soaps are not really making much of a difference.  This was particularly true for such products containing Triclosan and Triclocarban.

Overall, this makes me consider the several ways we are exploited through advertising within our lives. I have often bought products claiming to contain antimicrobial compounds in the belief that such products are stronger than your typical cleaners. However, the evidence does not actually reveal this to be the case, and in some cases, the effects of such harsh compounds on the body can be be negative. 

A REPORT ABOUT THE NEW PRACTICE OF INCORPORATING ANTIMICROBIALS INTO THE MANUFACTURE OF HOSPITAL FURNISHINGS

This article contains similar information t that found in the previous one, but concerns the use of antimicrobial products within the hospital setting. Many hospitals have increased their use of antimicrobials in the belief that they will decrease the rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, again, the evidence does not actually support the claim that these anitmicrobial agents actually reduce the rates of infection. 

Essentially, this article suggests that more research is required on antimicrobials and their positive and negative impacts on health, before continuing their increasing use within the hospital setting. Moreover, it calls for those purchasing these products to be sensitive tot he information contained within the ingredients of these products, seeking EPA approvals, as well as holding manufacturers more accountable for the products they distribute. 

For me, the primary issues that arise when reading these articles is the astronomical lack of government regulation on manufactures of chemical products. Despite the scientific evidence suggesting that the use of antibiotics in meats, and the use of antimicrobial cleaners is negative for human health, there is little to no current regulation on manufactures when it relates to such practices. Overall, I am shocked that our own government seems to have such little concern for the health of its citizens, and instead, panders to the whims of these negligent manufacturing corporations.