New Gene was Found in the Plasmids of Bacteria

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Antibiotics are medicines that can kill or stop the growth of harmful bacteria. The first ever was invented by Alexander Fleming back in 1928. He also warned about the so-called antibiotic-resistance, which is the ability of bacteria to fight antibiotics, making them useless. There are currently no new drugs being developed to keep up with the natural ability of bacteria to evolve.

Every year, at least 2 million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the United States, and 23,000 of them die. People who underwent cancer chemotherapy, complex surgery, dialysis for renal disease, organ and bone marrow transplant, including those with rheumatoid arthritis are particularly at risk.

Now, a new gene was found in the plasmids of E.coli, causing a threat in the world. Josh L Davis reports about it on IFL Science:

Bacteria Has Been Found With Resistance To A “Last Resort” Antibiotic

Researchers have identified a gene that gives bacteria resistance to the last line of antibiotic defense, a class of drugs called polymyxins. Despite being discovered around 60 years ago, the drugs maintained their effectiveness as they were seldom used due to concerns about their toxicity. But in recent years, with antibiotic resistance becoming more and more of a global concern, they have been called upon precisely because of this lack of use; bacteria had not yet had a chance to become resistant, until now. Read more…

Since this new gene was found in the plasmids of bacteria, rumor has it that the world is also coming into what is known as “antibiotic-apocalypse.”

Antibiotic-resistance can happen everywhere, and most deaths happen at nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare centers. One major example is the use of antibiotics in animals that can develop resistance in their gut, which is why a lot of people are against it.

Right now, the best you can do is to cook your meals thoroughly to avoid the spread. Do not use these drugs without prescription from the doctor. When not used properly, they can cause allergic reactions and a potentially deadly diarrhea.

Image Credit: Bacteria Has Been Found With Resistance To A “Last Resort” Antibiotic – IFL Science

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