To honor earth week in our microbiology class, we were assigned into groups to present on a topic of choice that impacted the environment. Our group decided upon research indicating that we are creating "superbugs" through soil contamination. In brief, this is what happens: Animals that are used for human consumption are given antibiotics for "preventive" measures. These antibiotics are given because these animals live in filth with no room to really roam. The animals urine and feces saturate the soil and 25-75% of the antibiotics that were originally given can be found here. The soil is then used as "fertilizer" for our agricultural crops. Here is where the problem starts. The antibiotics given to the livestock kill off all sensitive bacteria, leaving the stronger ones behind. These bacteria, which are antibiotic resistant, transfer their genetic information through a process called bacterial conjugation, to all sensitive bacteria, making them all antibiotic resistant. These antibiotic resistant microbes, which are in the soil we use for "fertilization" get taken up into our food supply. We, the consumers, then eat the food that contains the antibiotic resistant genes. This subjects our normal sensitive and harmless bacteria to also become antibiotic resistant. So, when you get a bacterial infection, some of the simple antibiotic medications won't work. This us where the term superbugs comes into play: a bacteria that is resistant to three or more antibiotics. Fascinating topic huh? I think so..... Are you wondering what you can do to do your part? Well... not much right now.... I suppose if you really want to eat meat, then I would consider supporting your local farmers, rather than these big commercial meat industries. :-)
