Facing Our Antibiotic Dilemma

Jordan Reinbold

Submitted to Dale Sullivan, September 27, 2010

Abstract

              Antibiotic abuse is on the rise worldwide. The following is a proposal for a research project that will identify todayÕs most common and dangerous resistant bacteria. The research project methods and timeline are laid out in detail in the following paragraphs. The project goal is to effectively educate the audience. Through education, the audience will become aware of the damage our past abuse has already caused, and hopefully inspire initiative to prevent future abuse.

Introduction

Today, we have a growing worldwide problem. The problem is the growing prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and the overuse of antibiotics. According to the Institute of Medicine, in 1998 the total cost of antimicrobial resistance in the U.S. alone was nearly $5 billion and the true cost estimates for 2009 may be ten times that amount. To add to the concern, the problem stems for multiple sources. Some of these sources include ignorant patients, greedy doctors, poor healthcare systems, over accessibility in some countries, poverty, insufficient supply, and self-medication. These problems have compounded over time and left us today with some very dangerous genetically resistant bacteria. I am proposing to thoroughly research todayÕs most common antibiotic resistant bacteria, and the dangers they pose. By researching and communicating what I have found, I hope to better educate the public audience and inspire more critical thinking when it comes to antibiotics.

Background

The use of antibiotics as we know them today is a relatively new science. It was in 1929 that Sir Alexander Fleming discovered and named the infamous penicillin. After its creation, penicillin quickly started to become popular. During WWII, the ÒmagicalÓ effect of antibiotics was truly noticed. The fame created during WWII lead to further study of new antibiotics, and by the early 1950Õs, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline had been introduced and made available to the general public. In 1953, however, we caught a glimpse of what the misuse of these Òwonder drugsÓ could lead to. Shigella, an antibiotic resistant strain of dysentery bacillus, broke out in Japan. This isolated strain was resistant to all major antibiotics of the time. Today, almost all bacterial pathogens have developed resistance to at least one type of antibiotic. The danger lies within the strains that, like the early Shigella, develop resistance to multiple types of antibiotics. Within this problem is where I find the scope of my proposal.

Project

The goal of my project is to thoroughly research todayÕs most common and dangerous antibiotic resistant bacteria with the intent of educating the public through our class website. Having taken previously writing classes, in which research was required, I feel capable to conduct quality research. Not only will I conduct quality research, but I will also effectively convey the findings to a general public audience. My research will include information from several types of media; including literature, film, and an interview of a medical professional. The final research report will include sections including a list of the most common resistant bacteria, history of each bacterium on the list, statistical data, dialogue from an interview, and a summary.

Method

I will begin the research process by accessing the NDSU library and EBSCO host servers. First, I will research the top five most common and dangerous resistant bacteria commonly found in the hospital setting. Next, I will research each individual strain of bacteria; providing history, pictures, prevalence, statistical data, and future outlook. Once the basic research is complete, I will look into the problem locally. The local research will include an interview with someone in the medical field. Once all of the data is collected from research, I will arrange it into a final report that is easy to read, and also easily understandable to the public

audience.

Schedule

              Date

September 27                               Proposal Due

September 28                               Begin Research

October 15                                   Conduct Interview

October 16-November 24           Organize data, write, and submit draft

December 3                                  Submit final draft

 

Conclusion

              With growing worldwide concern, awareness needs to be generated about the effective use of antibiotics. The project I have proposed will provide a brief history of what our past abuse has led to, and outline where we may be headed. Hopefully, if we increase education on the subject of antibiotic abuse, we can veer off our current, dangerous path.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Modern History (1999). Oracle Education Foundation. Retrieved September 24,

2010, from  http://library.thinkquest.org/25462/history.html

Facts about Antibiotic Resistance (2009, May 21). Infectious Disease Society of America. Retreived September 24, 2010, from http://www.idsociety.org/Content.aspx?id=5650