Has the post-antibiotic age begun?
In the ever-evolving world of medicine, one issue that has gained significant attention is the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This threat to human health is not limited to any particular region, including Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Mark Jones, a specialist clinical microbiologist, emphasizes the importance of soap and water and common sense in combating this issue. He stresses that killing harmless bacteria is unnecessary, as they play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
On the other hand, Dr Siouxsie Wiles, a microbiologist, has written a blog article about antibiotic resistance and a case in Wellington, New Zealand. The case involved a man infected with an antibiotic-resistant bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniaebacterium after receiving an emergency operation in Vietnam and an earlier hernia operation in India. This case is significant as the man was one of the first New Zealand carriers of an aggressive bacterium resistant to every type of drug tested in hospital lab experiments.
Incorrect use of antibiotics is one of the factors contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Overuse in the agricultural sector in some countries can also exacerbate the problem. This misuse not only increases the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections but also contributes to severe infections like sepsis.
Medical tourism poses significant health risks related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients traveling abroad for medical treatment are exposed to different infection control practices and antibiotic prescription standards, increasing their risk of acquiring drug-resistant infections. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics during hospital stays can disrupt the patient’s gut microbiota, promoting sepsis through loss of colonization resistance, impaired immunoregulation, and mucosal barrier breakdown.
Differences in regulatory standards and hygiene practices in some destination countries may increase exposure to resistant bacteria. Medical tourists who do not verify the accreditation and infection control protocols of their healthcare providers risk contracting infections resistant to treatment. The global movement of patients also amplifies the risk of spreading antibiotic resistance internationally, as resistant strains from one region can be introduced into another via returning travelers or visitors receiving care abroad.
Thorough research into healthcare provider accreditation and infection control standards at the destination can help mitigate some of these risks. In addition, Wellington Hospital disease physician Dr Michelle Balm has urged people to be aware of the dangers of medical tourism.
The development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a significant threat to human health. Various reports and articles provide information about the history of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance, as well as ways to reduce the risk. For instance, vaccinations can help prevent diseases that may require antibiotics for treatment.
The Infection Inspection citizen science project is working to develop a faster test for antibiotic resistance. The Infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance report from The Office of the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor (2018-2024) contains a series of recommendations to help New Zealand unite against the threat of infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance.
On a related note, Australia's NPS MedicineWise has urged parents not to keep leftover antibiotics or unfilled prescriptions, but to return them to the pharmacist for safe disposal. This practice helps prevent the misuse of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
In conclusion, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially in the context of medical tourism. Proper research, adherence to recommended vaccination schedules, and responsible antibiotic use can help combat this global health threat.
In the realm of health and wellness, understanding chronic diseases like antibiotic-resistant medical-conditions is paramount, given their escalating presence worldwide. To combat this, Dr Mark Jones emphasizes the importance of simple therapies and treatments, such as proper hand hygiene and common sense, while minimizing the killing of beneficial bacteria. On the other hand, novel treatments and advancements in sciences, such as the Infection Inspection citizen science project's development of a faster antibiotic resistance test, can potentially aid in the fight against these super bugs.
