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INFORMATION | Welcome to the final project of our Cells and Systems unit. Time really flies, doesn't it?
The World Health Organization provides accuratate data and statistics revolving Antimicoribal resistance and various other diseases. Learn more about what this issue is, and why its such a huge threat.
The Centers of Disease is also an agency leading the research efforts on anti-microbrial resistance. Explore moew about what it is, and the different research being conducted revolving this on the CDC website.
The Canadian Public Health Agency has publications and initiatives aimed at reducing this issue. Learn more from the Government of Canada revolving their take on resolving this issue.
What is antimicrobic resistance? Why is this an increasing issue within our society? Learn from our resources and trusting sources to explore more.
CALVINS HEALTH ORGANIZATION | HEALTH
How does antimicrobial resistance affect the human body?
This article has been edited, revised, and reviewed by the Calvin Industries Cooperation and the Calvins Health Organization.
Written By :
Mr. Calvin Musk, CEO at Calvin Industries Cooperation
Date of Publish :
Friday, March 10th, 2023 @ 3:12 P.M Mountain Time
Department :
Calvin's Health Organization : Department of Public Health Authoritarian at Calvin Industries
Introduction To The Issue
Welcome to the Calvin Industries Lab- funded and hosted by the Calvins Health Organization.
Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics are examples of antimicrobials, which are drugs used to prevent and treat infections in people, animals, and plants.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when antimicrobials are no longer effective and is no longer able to do its job; its is a condition in which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over time and cease to respond to antibiotics, making infections more difficult to cure and raising the risk of disease transmission, life-threatening sickness, and death. Drug resistance makes it harder or impossible to treat illnesses and renders antibiotics and other antimicrobial medications useless.
Today, we will be exploring how this is affecting public health, and how its affecting our body systems. According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance is one of the top concerns for public health. What is this issue, why is it happening, and what are some protective measures we can take to protect lives.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to global public health, causing at least 1 point 27 million deaths worldwide and nearly 5 million deaths in 2019. the U.S. S. More than 2.8 million infections that are resistant to antibiotics happen annually. The 2019 Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Threats Report from the CDC estimates that over 35,000 people pass away as a result. When added to these, Clostridioides difficile—a bacterium that is not typically resistant but can cause fatal diarrhea and is connected to the use of antibiotics—the U. S. Over 3 million infections and 48,000 fatalities are the result of all the threats in the report. Antimicrobial resistance has the potential to have an impact on people at any stage of life as well as the medical, veterinary, and agricultural sectors. As a result, it ranks as one of the most urgent public health issues in the world. Even if they are susceptible to some antibiotics or antifungals, bacteria and fungi can still be harmful. Even a single antibiotic resistance can lead to serious issues. As an illustration:.
Infections that are resistant to first-line antibiotics and call for the use of second- and third-line medications can harm patients by having serious side effects, like organ failure, and by delaying treatment and recovery for weeks or even months.
The use of antibiotics in the treatment of infections is essential for many medical breakthroughs, including joint replacement, organ transplantation, cancer therapy, and the management of chronic illnesses like diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
These infections occasionally don't respond to any treatments.
We lose the ability to treat infections and manage these public health risks if antibiotics and antifungals stop working. By protecting against AMR, this requires a multifaceted approach, including reducing the unnecessary use of antimicrobials, improving infection prevention and control, and promoting the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
1.79M+
deaths annually are associated to AMR, or antimicrobial resistance. Global survey shows that in 2019, antimicrobial resistance killed more people than HIV/AIDS or malaria.
10M+
deaths could be as of a result to antimicrobial resistance a year according to the world health organization. That may accumulate to a global ecomic cost of over 100 trillion dollars.
50%
of total viruses, infections, and diseases are already immune, or have developed some immunity to certain antimicrobials and certain antibiotics. This is increasing at an alarming rate
What body system is affected? There is no specific body system that is affected as AMR is very generic and affects a broad variety of diseases and infections- each of whom targets different body systems. While some may target the reproductive system like AIDs and certain STDs, others may affect the respiratory system. However, some body systems are more prone to getting attacked by certain diseases. Here is an example of the 3 main body systems most likely to be impacted and impaired by AMR diseases :
The Human Respiration System
Pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung infections can develop as a result of AMR infections in the respiratory system. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and drug-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae are two prominent AMR infections that impact the respiratory system.Streptococcus pneumoniae drug-resistant strains are another typical AMR infection that harms the respiratory system. The main culprit behind pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses is this bacterium. Certain S. pneumoniae strains have developed a penicillin resistance in recent years, making them more challenging to treat. Longer hospital stays and more serious infections may result from this.
The Human Digestive System (GI Tract)
Food poisoning, diarrhoea, and other intestinal infections can result from AMR infections in the digestive tract. Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), as well as drug-resistant forms of Salmonella and Escherichia coli, are frequent AMR infections that attack the digestive tract. The digestive system is frequently harmed by the prevalent Intestinal pathogen Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). In especially in those who have recently taken antibiotics, this bacterium can cause severe diarrhoea and colitis. In recent years, some strains of C. difficile have become resistant to multiple antibiotics, making it more difficult to treat. This can lead to more severe infections and longer hospital stays.
The Human Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and pyelonephritis, a serious kidney infection, can result from AMR infections in the urine system. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriacea are typical AMR pathogens that impact the urinary system (CRE). Expand on this and give examples. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing issue in healthcare globally, particularly in the treatment of pyelonephritis and urinary tract infections (UTIs). From minor illnesses like UTIs to serious ones like sepsis and renal failure, AMR infections in the urinary tract can cause a variety of diseases.
What gives bacteria the ability to mutate and evade treatment?
While saving lives, antibiotics and antifungals can also help to breed resistant bacteria. When the presence of antibiotics and antifungals forces bacteria and fungi to adapt, antimicrobial resistance is increased. Certain microorganisms that cause illnesses are killed by antibiotics and antifungals, but they also destroy good germs that shield our bodies from infection. The microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics endure and proliferate. The Genome of these resilient germs contains resistance features that they can pass on to other pathogens. In order to survive, bacteria can create mechanisms known as resistance against antibiotics and antifungals. The germ's resistance mechanisms are determined by the specific proteins that DNA instructs the germ to produce. Many different forms of resistance genes can be found in bacteria and fungi. The perfect combination of resistance mechanisms in bacteria that are already difficult to treat can render all antibiotics and antifungals useless, leading to illnesses that are untreatable. Unsettlingly, bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics or antifungals might exchange their resistance mechanisms with other bacteria. Bacteria are always changing. The bacteria will employ any means necessary to survive when faced with an antibiotic. That might occur if bacteria develop mutations that enable them to avoid an antibiotic's killing components. The more typical scenario is that some bacteria have learned how to avoid or neutralize specific antibiotics, and they have passed those skills onto other bacteria through DNA. Experts concur that it's only a matter of time before bacteria develop resistance to all currently available antibiotics because they are such excellent environmental adapters.
CALVINS HEALTH ORGANIZATION | HEALTH
How does your body protect yourself from viruses, infection, and bacteria?
This article has been edited, revised, and reviewed by the Calvin Industries Cooperation and the Calvins Health Organization.
Our Skin
The skin is an amazing organ that covers the entire human body. Thats right, the skin acts as the bodies largest organ. It's like our very own superhero cape, protecting us from all kinds of bad guys - including viruses, bacteria, and other nasty microbes. The outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis, is made up of multiple layers of cells that are tightly packed together, forming a strong barrier that's difficult for invaders to penetrate. But that's not all - the skin also produces natural oils and sweat that contain special properties to fight off these invaders. antimicrobial properties in these substances help to kill bacteria and viruses that come into contact with the skin. For example, sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin, contains fatty acids that are toxic to some bacteria. So even if a microbe manages to get through the first line of defense, it's got another obstacle to face. The skin not only provides a physical barrier against pathogens, but it also plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature, maintaining hydration, and producing vitamin D through exposure to sunlight.
Our Immune System
Our body's immune system is made up of various components including our white blood cells (aka our leukocytes), the spleen, our bone marrow, the lymphatic system, the thymus, the tonsils, adenoids, and the appendix. White blood cells circulate in the circulatory system in our blood as they constantly search for pathogens. As they find one, they multiply and send signals to other cells to assist- sorta like requesting backup. The body stores white blood cells in various locations, known as lymphoid organs- like the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, and our lymph nodes. The spleen, bone marrow, and lymphatic system all support the function of white blood cells by storing and producing them in various locations throughout the body. The tonsils, adenoids, and appendix are also considered part of the immune system as they contain lymphoid tissue and act as gateways for pathogens to enter the body. Together, these components form a complex and intricate system that allows our body to defend itself against a wide range of foreign invaders and maintain overall health and well-being
Mucous Membranes
A layer of cells called a mucous membrane, also known as a mucosa (plural: mucosae), covers body organs and orifices. It's constructed of ectodermal tissue. Mucus, a thick fluid that shields the interior of the body from contaminants and pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, can be contained or secreted by mucous membranes. There are many different types of mucous membranes, including those found in the reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems.In general, mucous membranes defend the body from bacterial and viral infections and maintain an adequate moisture level in the body's tissues. Specialized mucous membranes provide specific purposes. For instance, the intestinal and stomach mucosae play a role in food digestion and absorption. In order to perceive and smell a chemical, scents must first break down in the nose, a process assisted by the nasal and olfactory mucosae. In reproductive organs, such as the vagina, mucosae are also present.
How does your body react?
Antibiotic resistance develops in bacteria, not in people or other animals. Both humans and animals are susceptible to infection from these germs, and their infections are more difficult to treat than those brought on by non-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance causes increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher medical expenses. The way antibiotics are prescribed and used in the world needs to alter immediately. Even if new medicines are developed, without behavior change, antibiotic resistance will remain a major threat. Behaviour changes must also include actions to reduce the spread of infections through vaccination, hand washing, practicing safer sex (don't suspend me), and good food hygiene. While saving lives, antibiotics and antifungals can also help to breed resistant bacteria. When the presence of antibiotics and antifungals forces bacteria and fungi to adapt, antimicrobial resistance is increased. Certain microorganisms that cause illnesses are killed by antibiotics and antifungals, but they also destroy good germs that shield our bodies from infection. The microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics endure and proliferate. These surviving germs have resistance traits in their DNA that can spread to other germs. If this goes untreated, it can lead to consequences of disease progression (harder to treat), longer hospital stays, increased mortality rates including possiblities of death, spread of infections, and compromised medical procedures. Depending on the severity of the disease, and your personal health, your bodies response to untreated infections can differ.
CALVINS HEALTH ORGANIZATION | HEALTH
How may we develop new treatments to treat and detect antimicrobial resistances?
This article has been edited, revised, and reviewed by the Calvin Industries Cooperation and the Calvins Health Organization.
How can we cure and prevent antimicrobial resistance?
Welcome to the Calvin Industries Lab- funded and hosted by the Calvins Health Organization.
Infectious diseases, also known as antimicrobial ailments, are perpetuated by a range of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. To prevent these illnesses from spreading it's best to maintain good hygiene practices like washing your hands frequently with soap and water; covering your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze; avoiding close proximity with sick people is key. Furthermore vaccination against certain infectious afflictions can provide immunity that inhibits the spread of infections. Effective remedies for treating infectious diseases depend on specific microorganism types involved: antibiotics treat bacterial infections while antivirals combat viral ones and antifungals conquer fungal ones respectively but overuse/misuse may lead to antibiotic-resistant strains & more difficult cases hence proper diagnosis along with adherence to treatment regimens remain crucial factors in successfully curing antimicrobial disorders .\
Researchers are actively exploring multiple strategies to combat the challenges of antimicrobial resistance from a scientific lens. One method involves creating new drugs that specifically target different aspects of microbes' life cycles, including their ability to attach and replicate within host cells. Alternative treatments such as bacteriophages - which infect and kill bacteria through viral mechanisms - are also under investigation by some scientists. Furthermore, researchers aim to investigate ways in which we can improve our immune systems so they may better fight off infections without relying on antibiotics or other drugs solely for treatment purposes. In healthcare settings especially, it is crucial not only prioritize infection control measures but continuously find ways to enhance these procedures moving forward with use over time. Diagnostic tools capable identifying resistant strains quickly would be beneficial toward preventing widespread transmission while public education about proper antibiotic utilization practices remains an essential step towards reducing overall risk factors associated with increased resistance rates among microorganisms broadly speaking. Given how multidisciplinary this issue proves itself – requiring expertise across various fields (and expert knowledge therein)– It's proven increasingly clear that combating antimicrobial resistance will require multi-discipline approaches both in research efforts aimed at halting its progression along improving methods currently available for treating infectious diseases promptly upon diagnosis alongside limiting further spread throughout patient populations anywhere transmitting.
Why is this research important? Who does it impact?
One of humanity's most significant discoveries is the antibiotic. We can endure harmful bacterial infections thanks to them. A bacteria can no longer be killed by an antibiotic if it develops resistance to it. If the bacteria becomes immune to all antibiotics, we risk reverting to the situation from a century ago, when we were helpless against pathogens and incapable of overcoming even common infections. Public health would suffer a terrible impact.
Considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic, its important that we recognize the risks associated with disease and their ability to evade pre-existing treatments like antibiotics, or even vaccines. As viruses and bacteria are able to readapt and mutate to better fit their surroundings and better sustain themselves, it's also important to remember that this also leaves a risk associated with their ability to evade treatment. Viruses can mutate, and by mutating, their genetic code changes with them and as a result, viruses are no longer responsive to antibodies generated by vaccines. During the pandemic, we've all been impacted. We've likely known somebody who died as a result of the pandemic, and it's caused internal emotional pain for all of us. It comes with its consequences of threats against our mental health, and it comes with the negative effects of its ability to deteriorate our identities.
Considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it's a constant reminder to us that with human activities and climate change, pandemics are only going to get more common from now on. COVID-19 may have caused tremendous damages in economic fees, but considering what's possible, COVID-19 was nothing compared to previous pandemics. This is a warning for us as humans to better prepare for future pandemics and to be better equipped in order for us to better handle deadly events. That's why studying antimicrobial resistance is so important. Any person, at any stage of life, can be impacted by antimicrobial resistance. The risk of contracting an infection is frequently higher in those receiving medical attention or in those with weakened immune systems. Antimicrobial resistance imperils medical advancements on which we have come to rely, including cancer treatment, organ transplantation, and joint replacement. These procedures carry a high risk of infection, and patients won't be able to have them if there aren't any powerful antibiotics available. By studying and understanding more about this, we're better learning about diseases to better understand how to prevent transmission, reduce mortality, save lives, and create a healthier and brighter generation for all. As one of the world's largest public health threats, understanding more about diseases and their ability to evade treatment means to better understand what we can do in order to save lives and to develop more effective treatments towards life-threatening diseases.
In the process of curing diseases like tuberculosis, gangrene, pneumonia, diphtheria, and scarlet fever, penicillin emerged as the most potent life-saving medication ever created. It also elevated Alexander Fleming to the status of a global hero for his role in its discovery. This drug has saved nearly 200 million lives during the world wars and serves as an effective antibiotic. Now, imagine if this drug suddenly stopped working. According to the CDC, 200,000 lives are saved from antibiotics in the United States alone. Now, imagine if antibiotics stopped working all of a sudden. That's exactly what happens with antimicrobial resistance. Over time, they no longer respond to treatments, and as of a result, lives are lost.