Oh boy 😥, reading @Thomisin blog post a few days ago about antibiotic-resistant bacteria took me on a rollercoaster of emotions! From the nightmares of meteor strikes to Artificially-induced fears, we all have our worst-case scenarios. But let me tell you, the idea of a world without a solution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria is definitely up there on my list. So, here is my reaction to this thought-provoking article.
As I started reading, Thomisin wasted no time in capturing my attention by mentioning the various nightmares people have. I chuckled at the mention of dinosaur apocalypses and unknown wars, but when they brought up antibiotic-resistant bacteria, my spine tingled with terror. Who knew that tiny microorganisms could be so menacing?
Yeah there was more, she really came prepared
Her giving an history lesson about Alexander Fleming and his accidental discovery of Penicillin had me hooked. Picture this: Fleming, innocently going about his experiments, stumbles upon a mold that saved the world from bacteria. Talk about a fortuitous encounter! I couldn't help but marvel at the profound impact antibiotics have had on human longevity.But hold on, there's trouble in paradise! Thomisin highlighted the problem we face today—bacteria are becoming smarter, outsmarting our drugs and technology. It's like a never-ending game of cat and mouse, except the mice are becoming antibiotic-resistant superbugs alright.
Ok now listen closely, the grim statistics from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control really put things into perspective. Half a million people infected with antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis? 23,000 Americans dying from bacterial infections? Yikes! Suddenly, my fear of a sinus infection feels a lot more intense.
As Thomisin explained how bacteria share genes through horizontal gene transfer, I couldn't help but imagine tiny bacteria gathering around a campfire, swapping genetic information like file transfer using a wifi. It's like a microbial version of a secret society. Who knew bacteria were so cunning and crafty?
Now, let's break it down—what do antibiotics actually do? Just as the name, they wage war against bacteria, seeking them out, binding to them, and delivering the death blow. It's like a superhero battle, where antibiotics are the caped crusaders and bacteria are the nefarious villains. I couldn't help but imagine a comic strip with antibiotic molecules wearing capes and bacteria running for cover!
But here's the plot twist—bacteria have their own set of superpowers. Thomisin shared how some bacteria produce enzymes to destroy antibiotics (reminds me of what kryptonite is to superman) , while others eject them like unwanted guests. It's like a microbial version of a magic show—now you see the antibiotic, now you don't! These bacteria are like the Houdinis of the microscopic world.
As I read on, She reminded us that scientists are not giving up. The mention of Peptide-Conjugated Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers (try saying that three times fast!) made me giggle. It's like a tongue-twister for science geeks. But hey, if it can take down the mighty Acinetobacter, it's definitely worth rooting for!
Time for some wisdom from Thomisin. She stressed the importance of responsible antibiotic usage. I couldn't help but laugh at the image of physicians seeing antibiotics as a first resort. Maybe we need a themed flowchart to guide them—"Is it a bacterial infection? No? Use other treatments!"
Here's where I related a bit too much to her concerns. Incomplete antibiotic dosage courses are like unfinished TV series—leaving you on a cliffhanger, wondering what will happen next. But instead of eagerly awaiting the next season, you're just making those bacteria stronger! Let's call it "The Incomplete Chronicles: Rise of the Superbugs."
She went ahead to hit the nail on the head with another problem—self-medication with antibiotics. It's like playing doctor without a license. Just because you feel a little under the weather doesn't mean you need a dose of antibiotics. Let's save them for when they're really needed, shall we? Say it with me: antibiotics are not candy! I think just like they say keep away from children, there should be a label that says dont take this like candy
In the end, as I finished reading Thomisin's blog post, I couldn't help but appreciate the mix of humor and education. Sure, antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious topic, but injecting some laughter into the conversation helps us tackle it with a little less anxiety. So let's stay informed, be responsible, and remember that humor can be our secret weapon against... well, basically anything infused with anxiety and that include the possibility of antibiotic resistant, pesky superbugs!
Well, there you have it—my thoughts on Thomisin's nightmare-inducing blog post about antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Yeah people, It certainly took me on a wild ride, from accidental discoveries to microbial secret societies, and from superhero battles to incomplete chronicles. But in the end, it left me with a newfound appreciation for responsible antibiotic usage. So, remember, folks, stay informed, complete your courses, and save antibiotics for when they're truly needed. Never take antibiotics like candy!
Thompson's post in @stemsocial
https://revive.gardp.org/resource/antibiotic-antibacterial-and-antimicrobial/?cf=encyclopaedia
