Antibiotics against superbugs: The fight has just begun
Using knowledge
to fight superbugs
The solutions are forthcoming. Hard-working scientists are conducting research that could help address the problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. However, we all have a responsibility - we all need to become aware of our role in preserving the value and effectiveness of antibiotics.
Searching for new antibiotics
The safety and efficacy of substances that could replace or supplement antibiotics in the fight against need to be carefully investigated. Meet the candidates that can help in the fight against superbugs by clicking on the number.
A job position for superbug fighter has been opened. The candidates should have strong efficiency, a high level of safety for human use and the possibility of wide application.
Name: Bacteriophage
Profession: A virus that attacks and destroys bacteria
Specialization: Insertion of a viral genetic material into a bacterial cell, destruction of a bacterial cell.
Skills: Although I am a virus, I do not have a harmful effect on human health, but I can very effectively destroy a bacterial cell. In other words, I attack and kill only certain, , and not human cells and other microbes. Upon entering a bacterial cell, I multiply myself into thousands of copies, and eventually kill the cell. My numerous "progeny" come out from a dead bacterium, and they can attack other bacteria. I'm a team player - if a bacterium is too big for me, I can cooperate with other types of phages, so we can attack together. Considering that there are many bacteriophages and that we differ, we do not believe that bacteria can become resistant to all of us as they try to do with antibiotics! I am one of the most researched substitutes for antibiotics and in some European countries. I already have huge experience in treating people with certain bacterial diseases.
Find out more about bacteriophages!
Source - author: youtube.com - In a Nutshell
Name: Bdellovibrio sp.
Profession: Predatory bacterium
Specialization: Killing other bacteria with the help of enzymes
Skills: I attack, destroy and feed on other bacteria even though I am one of them. That's why I am called a predatory bacterium. My weapons for killing bacteria are enzymes that destroy the bacterial . Without this firm outer sheath, the inside of the bacterial cell is exposed and prone to damage, and after my attack, the bacterium soon dies. I am particularly successful in killing bacteria that hide in biofilms - clusters of bacteria that act like one organism and are normally highly resistant to antibiotics and are difficult to remove.
Name: Nisin A
Profession: Antibacterial
Specialization: Killing bacteria
Skills: I am a representative of an antibacterial peptides group and I fight against the bacteria responsible for food spoilage. I kill them by making tiny openings in the . . It is believed that the members of my group could successfully fight against bacterial pathogens, but first, we have to be studied in detail. One of our advantages is that we can attack specific without any harmful effect on other bacteria that are beneficial to human health. In that, we are better than many antibiotics that have a harmful effect on a wide range of bacterial species, both harmful and beneficial to human health.
Name: Pseudouridimycin
Profession: Antibiotic
Specialization: Killing bacteria
Skills: I am a natural newly discovered antibiotic produced by bacteria found in a soil sample in Italy. In a series of laboratory studies, I was able to defeat many bacteria, including a significant number of resistant bacteria. I prevent the DNA molecule, the basic molecule responsible for transmitting heritable information, from multiplying.
You are all great fighters against superbugs!
Well done! You all got the job!
The role of the individual in the fight against superbugs
It may be hard to believe that the spread of superbugs can be stopped, but there are steps that each of us can follow to alleviate this problem at least a little bit. Everybody can make a difference, so you need to learn how you can help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Will an antibiotic cure a sore throat?
We’ve all had a sore throat, some a little more often, some less often. Antibiotics treat only diseases caused by bacteria, and the question is whether you can tell if a sore throat is caused by bacteria or by a virus. Play a little quiz and find out if you really need an antibiotic.
How to use antibiotics responsibly?
For the conscientious and reasonable use of antibiotics, it is sufficient to follow the advice given below. That’s how you can contribute to maintaining the value and effectiveness of antibiotics. Remember these tips and follow them whenever you are prescribed an antibiotic.
1. Use antibiotics only when it’s really necessary, or when prescribed by your doctor! Prevention is better than cure!
2. Follow your doctor's instructions!
Take the exact dose prescribed by your doctor at regular intervals. Why? Only if you follow your doctor's instructions, will the concentration of antibiotics in your body be continuously high enough to destroy the pathogenic bacteria.
3. Properly dispose of antibiotics you no longer need!
Do not throw antibiotics into your household waste or into the toilet, as this stimulates the development of resistance! Take the medication at the prescribed dose and time period recommended by your doctor. If you have medicines in excess or expired medicines, take them to the pharmacy for disposal. Don't save them for next time or share!
