Detecting Bacteria and Determining Their Susceptibility - Research Paper Example

? Overuse of Antibiotics and the Development of Bacterial Strains Introduction Mankind has seen exponential progress in the past decades. The modernization provided by numerous technological advancements has really improved and opened new frontiers in communication, entertainment, warfare and medicine. Nowadays, it is possible to have face to face communication with friends and loved ones even without the actual physical presence through the latest mobile phones. Likewise, chatting on the internet has evolved from mere text messages to voice and then suddenly chat mates become almost face to face with the web cam. It seems that boundaries and distances have been shattered through these advancements in communications technology. Wars can even be fought in the same way that video games are played with the advent of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology. Likewise, non-invasive and minimal invasive surgeries have also been made available wherein tumors are blasted with lasers or proton beams in order for them to be removed. Aside from doing away with open surgery, it also provides a more accurate targeting of the mass or tumor that needs to be removed (Massachusetts General Hospital 2010). Thus, there is less danger on the patient and recovery is of course faster as there is no major wound that needs to be healed. Patients can do away with stitches and the scars that accompany such a procedure. Indeed, Charles Darwin would have lauded the capability of the human species to survive and adapt. However, it is not only humans that can exhibit supremacy in survival and adaptation. Overuse of Antibiotics and the Development of Bacterial Strains Through these various improvements by the human race which have included leaps and bounds in medicine, it seems like the most minute organisms have been able to stay a step ahead or move clear of possible elimination from the food chain. Beyond the increased medical capabilities and modern healthcare management systems, viral and bacterial infections continue to be among the top downers of the human race. In fact, there has been no cure for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV which eventually morphs into the killer Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. Despite the technological advances from the last decade, a cure for this dreaded disease that comes from the late century has yet to be found, cultured or developed (Mamo et al 269). AIDS walked out of the closet in the early 80’s and by 1983, it was identified that the cause of the disease was HIV. It did not take long for the killer to become known globally and this has effectively grown into pandemic proportions infecting over 60 million people worldwide. Despite the time and money devoted to researches, a cure for this infection continues to elude medical scientists hence, posing a hanging threat to the populace. Currently though, the possibility of a cure through nanotechnology is being explored though a prospect for an effective cure seem to remain beyond the horizon. Well, for now, that may be too much to ask but the common cold also has no cure. This has been around for very long though, even before these technological advantages have ever been imagined by man. Likewise, bacterial strains have also been busy on the evolution department making many antibiotics obsolete and useless. This poses a serious threat since these microbes multiply swiftly and some have a respectable kill rate. New strains are evolving into super bugs that may eventually render even the most potent antibiotics useless. Taking a big chunk of the attention of medical scientists is the Acinetobacter baumannii. This bacterial strain has been found to have been capable of effectively guarding itself against even the most potent antibiotic (Peleg et al 538). This may pose another threat as the bacterial strain seems to fancy weak patients in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). Thus, medical practitioners are trying to combat these bacteria which caused pneumonia can easily kill the weak ICU patients. A group of pharmacists tried treating patients with Nebulized Colistin with somewhat satisfactory results. The influx of these MDR (multidrug-resistant) bacteria has becoming alarming as this invisible menace invades hospitals (Kwa et al 754). However, the most troublesome feature of this strain has got medical experts scratching their heads as these super bacteria seem to be emptying their arsenal of antibiotics that can fight against it. Likewise, the stronger antibiotics cost quite a drain on the pocket thereby making the battle against this potential killer prolonged, hard and downright costly. Well, not to belittle the modernization of medicine, today’s facilities and capabilities are indeed far superior than in the last decade. In fact, many hospital rooms have even been upgraded and showered with comfort probably to somehow alleviate the negative connotation that going to a hospital is well, an unpleasant business. However, despite the upgrades in comfort and the significantly better ways to treat illness, medical professionals and academicians, researchers and biologists continue to work feverishly to combat the invisible yet potent threat posed by bacteria on the human race. It is perfectly understandable though since infections have really taken a toll on the early days of medicine. Before the advent of antibiotics, many lives have been lost due to infections. Indeed, the development of penicillin has been a total game changer in the fight against these unseen killers. However, though new antibiotics have been developed, bacterial resistance has also gone up in a seemingly endless game of cat and mouse between the medical scientists and these unseen pathogens. Unfortunately, the very survival of the human race is at stake meaning failure is never an option. It is a noteworthy though that despite setbacks and difficulties, these researchers continues to toil for the safety and well being of patients. In fact, the US Food and Drug Authority (FDA) recognize the anti antibiotic mutation of bacteria as a global concern for public health. Indeed, it is a very real threat as a person with an MDR bacteria can transfer to other persons which may eventually spread to an entire locale or community. Among the types of bacteria that have evolved and gained capability to counter antibiotics are those that cause skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases and, as mentioned, pneumonia (US FDA, Consumer Update). This is indeed alarming as these sicknesses can easily be carried out through contacts by the infected person with family, friends and their partners. Another more alarming issue is that pneumonia is borne of respiratory tract infections hence enabling the MDR bacteria to spread easily through the air when an infected person sneezes openly. Thus, aside from the FDA’s efforts, the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NAIDS) supports and undertakes research to determine the events that lead to the eventual resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and its relation to antibacterial abuse. More so, the ability to properly diagnose is key to ensuring that mutations do not happen by being able to know what bacterial enemy one is dealing with to be able to have the right arsenal to target and kill it (NAIDS). Knowledge of what one is dealing with is very critical to avoid abuse and misuse of antibiotics. However, it is important that antibiotics can only treat bacteria and not viruses. Hence, a commonly cold does not warrant an antibiotics but pneumonia does. Although both impact the respiratory system, the cause of the illness naturally calls for different ways to cure it. Well, antibiotics are quite costly and maybe it is fortunate that the common cold and sore throats do not need antibiotics to be cured. On the other hand, though these are common illnesses, people tend to be overprotective wanting to take antibiotics even though these are not needed. Another cause of concern is that doctors may be on the defensive guarding against lawsuit which may cause them to grant antibiotics rather than face the consequences for not doing so. It may also be a lengthy discussion just to explain to a patient that the antibiotic is not needed thereby end up writing it on the prescription pad just the same (Harvard Health Letter). This again compounds the issue of possible abuse as doctors, who are supposed to be vanguards of the public’s health, may be writing their prescription considering only what is convenient and not necessarily what is the proper way. Likewise, the problem may come from the patients themselves. In the U.S., a survey revealed that although Americans would abide by state reminders to procure antibiotics, about less than half would actually take them but will rather just keep them (Harvard School for Public Health). This poses a serious threat since there seem to be a breach on both the medical provider and the patient, the war against bacteria seem to be waging on divided fronts. Thus, problems ensue since taking antibiotics is quite tedious since dosages and intake times must be followed strictly. Another facet of the problem arises when parents themselves take matters into their own hands giving antibiotics to their children just to ensure, in their belief, that these medicines will help them get better. Indeed, it seems that unwarranted trust and ultimately preference is given into these antibacterial drugs over paracetamols. Little did they know that the problem with this practice, this abuse, has reverberating impacts not only on their child’s health but on others as well as it contributes to bacterial mutations resulting to potentially sturdier strains. Indeed, breakthroughs in science and the exponential improvements in medical technological have brought astounding promise of medical renaissance. Things previously unimaginable such as non-invasive surgeries, gene sequencing and even developments in nano technology has provided and continuously provides medical procedures that are increasingly safe as well as treatments that are more and more effective. Even laboratory research have been shored up wherein bacteria is screened with the absence of pre-incubation and uses stochastic confinement instead. This method, again possible with the improvement in medical technology enables the researchers to distinguish strains that are sensitive and resistant (Boedick et al 1265). Likewise, manufacturers are increasingly conscious of the responsibilities that they have while regulatory bodies have been equipped with the latest communication devices as well as improved reconnaissance arsenal to guard and track various drugs and medicines. Even contaminations can now be tracked and singled out to prevent escalating outbreaks and the possible spread of threatening diseases and pathogens. Through all these, the FDA tries to be in the middle and in control of the situation so as to safeguard against the possible spread and even development of more virulent strains of bacteria (FDA, Advancing Regulator Science for Public Health). These scientific developments have enabled US FDA to further strengthen their fight against all threats to the nation’s health and ensure the safety and potency of medicines taken in by consumers. However, these efforts must be sustained on all fronts. While major developments are being experienced in advanced economies both in the manufacturing of medicines as well as through various enforcement and regulation efforts, third world countries and developing economies lack the needed technical sophistication to combat both existing and emerging public safety threats. Unfortunately, it has been reported that almost 50% of children in Mongolia receive antibiotics even with the absence of transcription. This is usually given to those that are suffering from infections in their respiratory tract systems (Weerasuriya). This pose a serious risk since irresponsible disbursement and intake of antibiotics gravely increases the possibility of abusing antibiotics. What many others do not know is that this behavior greatly contributes to the development of resistant bacterial strains. That is why whenever an antibiotic is prescribed; it must come with a stern warning to be taken according to the prescribed method. If not, the bacteria being targeted by the antibiotic may be able to recover from the initial onslaught of the antibiotic and develop or adapt ways to be able to fight its healing effects. This is due to the capability of the bacteria to mutate enabling the bacteria to be more resistant and technically harder to kill. Although bacteria can develop into more resistant strains naturally, battling it is compounded by irresponsibility that enables it to build up its defenses. Complications are also contributory as different bacteria strains merge or fuse to produce a more resistant pathogen that has antibiotic resistance that will be carried through their successors all the while not only growing but strengthening their family tree (FDA). In the end, the potency of the antibiotic is negated rendering it practically useless. However, it does not stop there since the new strain is then able to further reproduce and may have to be countered by a more potent and logically more costly antibiotic. Furthermore, bacteria need no passports or traveling arrangements to be spread out. A host is enough to help it get to places. To make matters worse, there are strains that can even spread through the air. So, in effect, other countries’ efforts may easily be negated if an infected person gets through and spreads the upgraded strain. This is a classic example of one’s gain being a loss of another as the already strengthened bacterial strain incapacitates the antibiotic that is supposed to be its nemesis. As such, it puts at risk years of research and development and retards progress. Moreso, it is not easy to calculate the impact of these mutated strains. It is almost impossible to manage risk factors that may be associated with the mortality such as other diseases or even preexisting ailments. These uncharted elements may conceal the actual capacity of the bacteria as well as its contribution to the general well being, or rather the lack of it, of the patient. Another factor is the varying level of resistance of the bacteria such as the pneumococci strain to different types of medicines. Thus, in the laboratory, those tested may be weaker than the ones wreaking havoc on health outside. Lastly, the force of resistance may vary depending on the location of infection as well as the antibiotics potency and the body’s natural defenses or immune system (Shrag et al). Another problem is that the connection between the resistance of bacteria and the failure of treatment has yet to be perfected. It is even unknown why theoretically related microbes because epidemic mayhem whiles others of the same resistance capabilities are unable to. Basically, the complexity of these microscopic threats makes them really hard to neutralize and the unbalanced capability of nations contribute to the fragmented front line on the side of the antibiotics (Livermore S11). Thus, antibacterial abuse in other countries may be carried out unknowingly since the lack of capabilities in other nations not only impacts their locale but has also the capability to spread its adverse effect on other countries as well. As such, the spill over will impact other countries efforts weakening the overall crusade against bacteria. This threatens the critical balance that must somehow be maintained between the progress of antibiotics and the mutation of resistant strains. Unfortunately, the seemingly fragmented front of the antibiotics appears to be up against a united coalition as research finds out about the selfless gesture being exhibited by bacteria. Through the course of studying how these microorganisms develop antibacterial strains, scientists discovered that the most resistant ones actually forgo their advantages to help the weakest links on their lines. In effect, the sacrifice of the few enables the overall chances of the group to improve. Although in this process the stronger ones lose their strength, it is this somewhat generous behavior that helps their species survive. In effect, the fragmented side of the antibiotic faces a formidable alliance that is willing to sacrifice for each others benefit. Unfortunately, the supposedly intellectually superior human race seems to be incapable of understanding the superiority of the strategy being used by the bacteria. The problem is that this battle is supposed to be fought globally to ensure that further mutations of bacteria into super bugs are kept at bay. However, it also sheds light for more researchers and some added caution is advised as this clearly shows that one part’s weakness does not speak for the whole group since it may call on reinforcements from stronger allies (Wyss Institute). Clearly, medical scientists, medical practitioners, doctors, patients and all stakeholders of publics health is dealing with a threat that has a seemingly respectable sophistication. This reality must be factored in to further develop the capability to guard against the mutation of bacteria and ensure that abuses in antibacterial usage are kept in check not only locally but globally as well. It would do well for advanced economies to further improve the cooperation with developing ones to ensure that their weaknesses can somehow be alleviated by the strengths of those countries that have an already technically superior and in a sense mature system in place. In the process, the richer economies may be giving out part of their wealth but if the bacteria can do it for their survival, is it not a worthy price to be paid for the protection against these threats? Perhaps, a better understanding and appreciation of the harmful effects of antibacterial abuse must also be taught at the household and community level to ensure a unified effort on all fronts against bacterial infection. Conclusion It is a hard reality that these bacteria are here even before the existence of the human race and these pathogens are not to be pushed out easily. As mentioned, prior to the discovery of antibiotics, bacterial infections have contributed to many deaths in different parts of the world. And, as new antibacterial medicines are developed, these bacteria simply evolve, mutate or even mate to avoid or deter annihilation. Unfortunately, the irresponsible use of antibacterial drugs contribute to the cause of the bacteria enabling them to have a ready blueprint on how to fight against antibiotics and even grow stronger to the point of invincibility. This does not only weaken the frontline as the medicines become obsolete and thereby useless but may also push back on the advantages thereby losing precious gained grounds against bacteria. Thus, stronger antibiotics have to be developed in order to have something to go up against these killers. Encouragingly though, some researchers are trying to synthesize a way to gain back lost ground and hold on to it by turning the table of evolution against bacteria and reversing their resistant capabilities. This is the center of the work of Harvard researcher Roy Kishony in trying to figure out a way to retard and eventually reverse the mutation of stronger bacterial strains. Thus, their research team has struck a path of their own by diverting from the usual “choose the best weapon to kill” to a more benevolent way of starving out their capability to multiply their DNA to ensure that they are still able to develop proteins. In the end, it is the most non-resistant strain that gets to dominate as they need to produce protein for survival. This, the researchers hope, will then retard and turn back the resistant mutation of bacteria (Science Daily). For now, it would be beneficial for an information drive and improvements in regulation to trim down the abuse in antibacterial usage. The repercussions must be clearly spelled out for better understanding of the consequences of a mutated super bug that will pose a big threat to the health and wellness of all. The struggle against these microbes is gargantuan and is being fought on different fronts. For now, the truth that antibiotics and bacteria are locked in a perennial tug of war for each side’s survival is a rather bitter pill to swallow for regulators, researchers, doctors and patients alike. References Boedicker, James, Li, Liang, Kline, Timothy, Ismagilov, Rustem. “Detecting Bacteria and Determining their Susceptibility to Antibiotics by Stochastic Confinement in Nanoliter Droplets Using Plug-Based Microfluidics”. Lab Chip 8 (2008): 1265–1272 FDA Consumer Update. Combatting Antibiotic Resistance. 2009. Web. 20 March 2011 FDA, Battle of the Bugs. 2009. Web. 20 March 2011 FDA: Advancing Regulatory Science for Public Health. Protecting Against Emerging Infectious Diseases and Terrorism. 2010. 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NAIDS’ Role in Combatting Drug Resistance With Basic Research. 2009. Web. 20 March 2011 http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/antimicrobialResistance/Research/Pages/niaidsRole.aspx. Peleg, Anton, Seifert, Harald, Paterson, David. Acinetobacter Baumannii: Emergence of a Successful Pathogen. Clinical Microbiology Review, 21.3(2008): 538-82 Schrag, Stephanie, Beall, Bernard, and Dowell, Scott. Resistant Pneumococcal Infections. 2001. Web. 20 March 2011 Science Daily 2010, Putting Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance Into Reverse. 2010. Web. 20 March 2011 Read More