Antibiotic Resistance

Hi, today we will be discussing a growing global health concern: antibiotic resistance. This is an
issue that affects not only the medical field but also agriculture, public health, and even our
daily choices. You may have heard the term "antibiotic resistance" in the news or during a
doctor's visit. But what exactly does it mean? Let’s break it down. Antibiotics are medications
used to treat infections caused by bacteria. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, the
drugs are no longer effective in killing or stopping the growth of those bacteria. This makes
infections harder to treat and increases the risk of disease spread, serious illness, and even
death. In other words, This makes it more difficult to cure infections and raises the chance of
diseases spreading, becoming more dangerous, or even causing death.

Now, you might be wondering—how do bacteria become resistant in the first place? Well,
firstly, antibiotic resistance happens through a process of natural selection. When someone
takes antibiotics, most of the bacteria are killed. But sometimes, a few bacteria survive. Then
these surviving bacteria may carry genes that help them resist the drug. They then reproduce
and pass on these genes. It means, over time, these resistant bacteria multiply, and the
antibiotic becomes useless against them. To put it differently, they then reproduce and share
these genes. As a result, more and more bacteria become resistant, and the antibiotic no longer
works on them.

This issue is made worse by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. For example, people often
take antibiotics for viral infections like the common cold or the flu. Antibiotics do not work
against viruses, but many individuals still ask their doctors for them or use leftover pills at
home. In some countries, antibiotics are available without a prescription, which makes the
problem worse. In other cases, patients stop taking antibiotics too soon—before all the bacteria
are gone. This gives the surviving bacteria a chance to become stronger and more resistant.

Another factor is the use of antibiotics in agriculture. Farmers often give antibiotics to animals—
not just to treat illness but to help them grow faster and to prevent disease in crowded
conditions. These antibiotics can enter the food chain and the environment, where bacteria are
exposed to them and may develop resistance. Resistant bacteria can then transfer to humans
through the food we eat, contact with animals, or even through the water supply. To repeat,
farmers often use antibiotics to help animals grow and prevent disease, but this can lead to
resistant bacteria, which may then spread to humans through food, contact with animals, or
water.

One of the most dangerous aspects of antibiotic resistance is that it limits our options for
treatment. In the past, a simple bacterial infection could be treated easily with a common
antibiotic. But now, we see cases where even powerful antibiotics do not work. This is especially
dangerous in hospitals, where patients are more vulnerable and infections can spread quickly.
According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the top ten global
public health threats facing humanity. In other words, The World Health Organization says that
antibiotic resistance is among the ten biggest public health dangers in the world today.

Let’s take a moment to look at a specific example. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,

or known as MRSA, is a type of bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics. It can
cause serious infections in wounds, the bloodstream, and lungs. MRSA spreads easily in
hospitals and can be life-threatening. In other words, MRSA can quickly spread in hospitals and
may be very dangerous to patients' health. Another example is drug-resistant tuberculosis,
which takes much longer to treat and requires a combination of drugs that often cause severe
side effects.

So, what can be done? Fortunately, there are many actions we as humans can take. First, we
need to use antibiotics responsibly. This means taking them only when prescribed by a doctor,
finishing the entire course of treatment, and never sharing or saving antibiotics. Healthcare
providers also have a role to play. They must be careful in prescribing antibiotics and make sure
they are truly necessary. They should also educate patients about the importance of using
antibiotics correctly. To summarize, to help combat antibiotic resistance, there are several steps
we can take. Individuals should use antibiotics only when prescribed, complete the full course,
and avoid sharing or saving them. Healthcare providers must be cautious when prescribing
antibiotics, ensuring they are needed, and educating patients on proper use.

Governments and organizations are also taking steps. Some countries have set up surveillance
systems to track resistant infections. Others have limited the use of antibiotics in livestock.
Research is ongoing to find new antibiotics and alternative treatments, such as bacteriophages
—viruses that attack bacteria. However, developing new antibiotics is expensive and time-
consuming. That’s why preserving the effectiveness of the drugs we already have is critical. In
other words, governments and organizations are actively addressing the issue of antibiotic
resistance. Some nations have implemented monitoring systems to track resistant infections,
while others have restricted antibiotic use in animals. Research is ongoing to discover new
antibiotics and alternative therapies, like bacteriophages—viruses that target bacteria. However,
creating new antibiotics is costly and slow, making it crucial to maintain the effectiveness of
existing drugs.

You might be thinking, "What can I do as an individual?" Well, you can make a difference. You
can avoid asking for antibiotics when they’re not necessary. You can practice good hygiene, like
washing your hands regularly to prevent infection. You can also stay up to date on vaccines,
which help reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place. Every small action helps slow the
spread of antibiotic resistance. In summary, there are some solutions we can apply as
individuals such as not requesting antibiotics from healthcare professionals, washing our hands
frequently to prevent diseases, and getting our vaccines on time.

In conclusion, antibiotic resistance is a complex and urgent problem. It affects all of us, and it
requires action from governments, health professionals, farmers, and individuals. If we do not
act now, we risk returning to a time when even minor infections could lead to serious
complications or death. But with global cooperation and careful use of antibiotics, we can
protect the tools that have saved millions of lives and ensure they remain effective for future
generations.

Thank you for listening.

Answer the questions while you are listening to the lecture

1. Infections become more difficult to _treat/cure_____ and more likely to spread when
resistance to antibiotics occurs.

2. Resistant bacteria can _reproduce/multiply_____ and transmit their ability to survive

treatment.

3. What are two issues why antibiotics can become less effective?

__ the misuse and overuse of antibiotics __

In some countries, antibiotics are available without a prescription __

patients stop taking antibiotics too soon

4. Complete the process of using antibiotics in farming

Animals are given As a result, antibiotics Humans can be

antibiotics in order to can be found in the exposed to resistant
a) _grow_____ quicker c) _food_______ bacteria through food,
and b) _chain________ and d) animal contact, or
_prevent__________ the water.
illnesses in __environment_______
overcrowded ____ because bacteria
environments. come into contact with
them and can become

5. What is the WHO’s stance on the issue of antibiotic resistance?

a. The issue is no longer relevant
 b. It poses a serious global health concern
c. It only impacts underdeveloped nations
d. It can be prevented with dietary supplements

6. A well-known example of drug-resistant bacteria is MRSA, which can spread quickly in

healthcare places and might be __life- threathening/ deadly______________________.

7. What can people do to minimize the use of antibiotics?

_ avoid asking for antibiotics when they’re not necessary.

-practice good hygiene/ washing your hands regularly to prevent infection.

- stay up to date on vaccines

_______________________________________________________________________

8. Healthcare professionals do not play an important role in prescribing antibiotics.

True False

9. One solution mentioned is that governments should completely prohibit the use of
antibiotics in agriculture.

True False

10. Although new research is being conducted about finding new antibiotics, creating hem is
a) _expensive/costly______________ and b) _time
consuming/slow___________________

11. Which of the following is NOT one of the precautions we can take as individuals?

1. You can eat fruits and veggies

2. You can maintain proper hygiene.
3. You can also keep your vaccinations current
4. You can choose not to request antibiotics if they aren’t truly needed