Drug-Resistant Infections: Why Aren't We Getting Any New Antibiotics?

Introduction

Drug-resistant infections are a major public health threat. In the United States, at least 2.8 million people get an antibiotic-resistant infection each year, and more than 35,000 people die.

The problem is only getting worse. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of 12 bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health. All of these bacteria are resistant to at least one antibiotic, and some are resistant to multiple antibiotics.

The rise of drug-resistant infections is a serious threat to our health. If we don't take action, we could face a future where common infections are untreatable.

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve the ability to survive exposure to antibiotics. This can happen when bacteria are exposed to low levels of antibiotics over a long period of time, or when they are exposed to antibiotics that are not effective against them.

Once bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, they can be very difficult to treat. This is because antibiotics work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. If bacteria are resistant to an antibiotic, the antibiotic will not be able to kill or inhibit their growth.

Why Aren't We Getting Any New Antibiotics?

There are several reasons why we are not getting any new antibiotics.

1. The development of new antibiotics is a long and expensive process. It can take 10 to 15 years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars to develop a new antibiotic.
2. The market for antibiotics is shrinking. This is because antibiotics are only used to treat infections, and the number of infections is declining. This is due to improvements in sanitation and hygiene, as well as the development of vaccines.
3. Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. This makes it more difficult to develop new antibiotics that are effective against them.

TheConsequences of Antibiotic Resistance

The consequences of antibiotic resistance are severe.

• Increased morbidity and mortality. Drug-resistant infections are more difficult to treat, which can lead to longer hospital stays, more expensive medical care, and even death.
• Reduced effectiveness of surgery. Antibiotics are often used to prevent infections after surgery. If antibiotics are not effective, the risk of infection after surgery is increased.
• Increased healthcare costs. Drug-resistant infections are more expensive to treat, which can lead to increased healthcare costs.

What Can We Do?

There are several things that we can do to address the problem of antibiotic resistance.

• Use antibiotics wisely. Antibiotics should only be used when they are necessary. This means that antibiotics should not be used to treat viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.
• Take antibiotics as directed. When you are prescribed antibiotics, it is important to take them exactly as directed. This means taking the antibiotics for the entire course of treatment, even if you start to feel better.
• Support the development of new antibiotics. The development of new antibiotics is a long and expensive process. We can support the development of new antibiotics by donating to research organizations and by advocating for government funding for antibiotic research.

Conclusion

Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to our health. If we don't take action, we could face a future where common infections are untreatable.

By using antibiotics wisely, taking antibiotics as directed, and supporting the development of new antibiotics, we can help to address the problem of antibiotic resistance.