Antibiotic Resistance Paper

Antibiotic resistance is a real threat to the human race. Unfortunately, it has not been given the kind of attention it deserves. So a lot of people are unaware of the seriousness of the situation and its consequences. You are expected to do a literature search about this burning issue and turn in a paper. I am not particular about the style you use for the paper. But I am particular about the fact that you must reference every statement you make if you are taking it from somewhere. I want you to use the ACS format to cite your references:

Your paper must have an introduction. Your paper must read like an essay (headings are optional). If you use a question answer format I will not grade your paper. Please do not use the numbering or bullet format in writing the paper, the use of paragraphs is more appropriate. Please ensure that your paper is cohesive in font and writing style. In your paper please address the following issues

• What are antibiotics?

• What is antibiotic resistance?

• What is the difference between broad-spectrum and narrow spectrum antibiotics? Is one better than the other? Why?

• Name 5 diseases that cannot be treated by antibiotics and explain why you think these diseases cannot be treated by antibiotics.

• What are the mechanisms by which the bacteria become impervious to the drug?

• Elucidate the causes of antibiotic resistance (List and discuss in detail). What role do we as human beings play in the spread of resistance?

• What are the mechanisms by which antibiotic resistance spreads among bacteria?

• How are antibiotic resistant bacteria spread among human beings?

• What are “superbugs”? Find examples of two recent epidemics where superbugs were involved. Name the bugs and the antibiotics they were resistant to. Don’t forget to reference your sources.

• Discuss what can be done to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Here are some sources you may start of with!:

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm235649.htm

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092810.htm

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/AntibioticsandAntibioticResistance/default.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/

http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/