Evolution and Antibiotic Resistance
Essay by Nicolas • May 15, 2012 • Case Study • 564 Words (3 Pages) • 1,656 Views
I have chosen an article about antibiotic use in animals that produce food for human conception. This article sheds light upon the antibiotics used on animals and how it can pose as a health risk. It also addresses some of the harmful bacteria that can become antibacterial resistant. The article explains how antibiotics are used in animals and how they are used in humans and how these uses effect the evolution of antibacterial resistance. They also share how the U.S. Drug and Food Administration is working hard to up the standards for livestock and other animal based products.
Animals that are infused with antibiotics can become a health risk for the human population. The use of antibiotics can greatly affect the overall quality of food because it can build up antibacterial resistance in humans. There for making it harder for us to fight off harmful bacteria with medicine or even our own immune systems. When we are unable to fight off the harmful bacteria, it can lead to harmful diseases and sometimes even death.
Some of the harmful bacteria that may cause antibacterial resistance are called zoonoses. Zoonoses are the diseases that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans. There are over a hundred different diseases that are categorized as zoonoses, it also includes salmonella. Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through feces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food sources. Though salmonella is one of the less hazardous bacteria, it can still be very uncomfortable to live with.
Antibiotics are used in animals and humans alike, but how does it affect the evolution of antibiotic resistance? Proper use of antibiotics for food animals will safeguard the continuing effectiveness of accessible antibiotics by supporting animal health and welfare, and limiting the risk of transfer of antibiotic resistance to humans. An understanding of the spreading of antimicrobial resistance allows for the growth of protective strategies to limit existing resistance and to avoid the appearance of new strains of resistant bacteria. There for causing preventive maintenance in animals and humans alike.
Upping the standards of livestock and animal based products has been a goal for the U.S. Drug and Food Administration. The U.S. Drug and Food Administration has a branch called The Center of Veterinary Medicine this branch runs risk assessment. They assess the risks in using antibiotics in livestock that reproduces animal based products for human conception. The Center of Veterinary Medicine is working on microbial safety policies to protect the public from zoonoses and antibiotic resistance. The Center of Veterinary Medicine is also responsible for food and hygiene practices, laboratory and research activities, and education to
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