Digital Storytelling WiSe 2021 Kim Weiszhar: Antibiotic Resistance

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Kim Weiszhar, LMU Munich, Faculty of MedicineAntibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB)- A vital One Health Topic

When I was a child, I suffered from chronic tonsillitis. Like many other children, I had to take antibiotics several times a year. Of course, I didn't reflect on this, and I'm sure I forgot to take a pill now and then. I was young and didn't know any better. Today, as a scientist, I have a better understanding of the significance of antibiotics and their careful use—especially in considering how Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) is a global threat.

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First antibiotic

The first antibiotic came onto the market in 1942. Since then, it has become indispensable in preventing and treating bacterial infections. Antibiotics have saved many lives by killing bacteria, and preventing the spread of many diseases. However, under certain circumstances, bacteria develop resistance against antibiotics, which makes infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and salmonellosis difficult to treat. This is what we talk about when we say Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria—commonly referred to as ARB.

Misuse of antibiotics

How does antibiotic resistance occur?

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What we know today is that, besides the natural occurrence of ARB, our excessive use and misuse of antibiotics has led to the development of many different strains of ARB in our environment.

How does antibiotic resistance occur?

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Spread of ARB

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The inappropriate use of antibiotics by humans (and also on farm animals for disease prevention and growth promotion) is one of the most important factors in how resistance develops. In our globalized world, antibiotic resistance spreads very quickly, say, through import-export and via long-distance travel. In addition to spreading from animals to humans, the environment was identified as an important factor influencing the development of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (through transmission routes of water, air or waste).

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Here's an example of how serious
the situation could be in 2050 if we don't act now.

Incidence of infectious diseases

In recent years, the incidence of infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and salmonellosis has increased greatly. Infections with Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria are often difficult to treat, sometimes even incurable. They also increase medical costs, lead to longer hospital stays and result in higher rates of mortality.

WHO

According to the World Health Organization, we have an urgent need to change our ways of using antibiotics. A more controlled use of antibiotics can reduce antibiotic resistance. This should not only play a role in the health sector but also in related fields such as the meat industry and other industrial sectors.

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My case

In my case, the treatment with antibiotics was effective at that time, as I did not carry any Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria. However, we are seriously endangering this important treatment option with our behavior.

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Awareness

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Joint effort

Joint effort: What you can do! (WHO, 2017)

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The global threat of antibiotic resistance can only be minimized if individuals and society as a whole make a joint effort. As Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria can be transmitted by people and animals (and even between species) throughout the environment, the threat of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria is a vital/critical/crucial One Health topic that cannot be ignored.

Joint effort: What you can do! (WHO, 2017)

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