observer Posted July 2, 2014 Report Share Posted July 2, 2014 Seems David Cameron has spotted an obvious concern, in raising the spectre of a post anti-biotic future, where even a slight infection could result in death. It seems the private sector drug companies don't see a profit in anti-biotics, so shouldn't HMG set up a State drug research programme to counter drug resistant bugs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted July 2, 2014 Report Share Posted July 2, 2014 Aren't there already people doing that sort of research in th UK Obs?There was something in the paper recently about British scientists studying ants as they think they could hold the key to wiping out the resilient superbugs in the future. I think the produce their own natural antibiotics somehow. I wonder how long ants live for though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inky pete Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 There's always new anti-biotics coming from the drug companies so it's completely wrong to blame them for this. The problem in this country is patients expecting anti-biotics for the slightest sniffle (even though they have no effect at all on viruses) and NHS GP's reaching for the prescription pad just to get rid of them. FAR too many people taking anti-biotics who don't need them means the bugs are becoming resistent faster than new ones can be developed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfie Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Totally agree inky, but in addition, many patients don't finish the course. Once they start to feel better they stop taking the tablets. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Sid Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 I wonder how long ants live for though... About two seconds if I find them in my kitchen. Aren't there already people doing that sort of research in th UK There probably is but the more paranoid section would more than likely say that they are engaged in germ warfare. (which in a way they are but not in the way they mean) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
observer Posted July 3, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Over prescribing and casual usage, has no doubt undermined effectiveness, particularly in the third world, where they can be bought over the counter. Result, a resistant strain of TB from Russia and Malaria in S/E Asia. With the loose security on immigrants and greater global mobility; perfect storm is created. Unlike statins, anti-bios have a limited usage, thus don't necessarily turn a regular profit; thus the private sector's laxity. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Once they start to feel better they stop taking the tablets. Guilty as charged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfie Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 I thought you were still taking the tablets Eagle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy51 Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 I was under the impression that doctors are reluctant to prescribe antibiotics these days unless there is no alternative . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazj Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 apparently the last new anti-biotic was developed in the mid 80's so plenty of time has passed for the bugs to develop immunity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Latchford Locks Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 There was something in the paper recently about British scientists studying ants as they think they could hold the key to wiping out the resilient superbugs in the future. I think the produce their own natural antibiotics somehow. I wonder how long ants live for though... An ant's life span is normally only about 90 days. Harvester ants seem to live a little longer, usually 2 to 6 months Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.