Drug-Resistant Infections Are on the Rise – So Why Aren’t We Getting Any New Antibiotics?

The Problem of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat. It occurs when bacteria develop the ability to resist the effects of antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections. In the United States, at least 2.8 million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. The problem of antibiotic resistance is getting worse. In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of drug-resistant infections. For example, the number of cases of antibiotic-resistant E. coli infections has increased by more than 50% in the past decade.

The Lack of New Antibiotics

Despite the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, there has been a lack of development of new antibiotics. In the past 30 years, only a handful of new antibiotics have been approved for use in the United States. There are several reasons for this lack of new antibiotics. One reason is that it is difficult to develop new antibiotics that are effective against resistant bacteria. Another reason is that it is expensive to develop new antibiotics.

The Need for New Antibiotics

The lack of new antibiotics is a serious problem. Without new antibiotics, we will be increasingly vulnerable to drug-resistant infections. This could lead to a significant increase in the number of deaths from infections. There is an urgent need for new antibiotics. Governments, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies need to work together to develop new antibiotics that are effective against resistant bacteria.

What Can You Do?

There are several things you can do to help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance: * Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor. * Take antibiotics exactly as directed. * Never share antibiotics with others. * Dispose of unused antibiotics properly. * Wash your hands frequently. * Get vaccinated against preventable infections. By following these steps, you can help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect yourself from drug-resistant infections.