Super Germs in the Home
Super Germs and and Your Health
Bacteria are able to constantly evolve and change so as to better survive in their environment. As a direct result of the over-use of antibiotics, we have created new resistant bacterial superbugs. We have also seen a dramatic increase in the use of antimicrobial products designed to limit harmful bacteria in the home. However, all of these actions may come at a cost and it is becoming evident that the overuses of such products are posing dangers unforeseen until recently.
How Bacteria Changes
As bacteria replicates it can pass on antibiotic-resistant genes to other bacteria. The genes can get transferred when bacteria conjugate with other bacteria or when a virus carries the genes from one bacterium to another. The DNA of a bacteria cell has three ways it can resist antibiotics. It can cut it up, alter it or pump it out of the cell all before multiplying.
What is Antibiotic Resistance?
Simply put, it is the ability of a bacteria cell to protect themselves from compounds that attempt to kill them. In most cases – when people take antibiotics, they wipe out the bacteria that have no mutations, while leaving the resistant bacteria to thrive. It has become apparent in recent years that antibiotic resistance will emerge in virtually every instance of antibiotic use.
Avoiding Unnecessary Antibiotic Use
Many people go to the doctor with a cold or flu expecting the doctor to immediately write a prescription for an antibiotic. However, there is really no advantage for taking antibiotics for most upper respiratory infections. Furthermore, antibiotics may not do much for bronchitis or sinus infections either. People also consume antibiotics in the meat and dairy products they consume. Choose the antibiotic-free meat and dairy choices when available in your local supermarket. In contrast to the US, the European has market has virtually eliminated the use of antibiotics in their meat and diary products.
What about antimicrobial soaps?
Antimicrobial soap products can have a similar affect to antibiotics in increasing the resistance of bacteria. The fact of the matter is that our bodies are covered with good bacteria and it has been proven that these bacteria are one of our strongest defenses against infection. These good bacteria do not have resistant and virulence genes and are killed off by the use of antimicrobial products. Good bacteria whether inside or outside our body actually works hard to control the spread of bad bacteria. There is a growing call from consumers groups and researchers to ban the sale of antimicrobial products in the US.
It is important to be aware of the potential long-term dangers to the overuse of antibiotics and antimicrobial products. As more and more people reach that level of awareness we should see a dramatic shift in the overall use of antibiotics in hospitals, homes and agriculture. In the meantime, it is a good idea to phase out the use of all antimicrobial products which come into direct contact with humans. Non-antimicrobial soaps are widely available in liquid form to put into pump dispensers as well as good old bar soap.
