They are so small that you need a microscope to see them, but so powerful that experts predict they could kill ten million people per year worldwide by the year 2050. They are superbugs — drug-resistant bacteria that have emerged since antibiotics (抗生素) revolutionized medicine. Indeed, the rise of these superbugs and the use of antibiotics are closely connected.
All organisms change over time. Smaller organisms, such as bacteria, are able to evolve more quickly, adapting as circumstances require. Facing antibiotics, bacteria have adapted with deadly efficiency. When a patient takes antibiotics to fight off a bacterial infection, the goal is to kill the bacteria causing the infection. However, although most of the bacteria are killed, a few of the strongest bacteria survive. Thus, only these drug-resistant bacteria are able to reproduce. This sets up a cycle and eventually results in the development of superbugs-bacteria able to resist even the most powerful drugs.
Scientists believe that a large part of this cycle is preventable. One recent study suggested that almost 50% of all antibiotic use is inappropriate or unnecessary. Some patients are prescribed (开处方) antibiotics for illness that would eventually clear up on their own. In addition, some patients don’t finish their course of medication, allowing bacteria to bounce back, but stronger. All of these factors contribute to the rise and spread of superbugs.
Another major factor that promotes the spread of drug resistance is the use of antibiotics for livestock (家畜). In the United States, 80% of antibiotic use is for animals. Partially, the drugs are used to prevent the spread of infection among animals. However, farmers also use antibiotics to help animals to gain weight quickly. Unfortunately, such use is problematic because it kills off the beneficial bacteria, leaving drug-resistant strains of bacteria to thrive.
What can be done to preserve antibiotics for future generations? Scientists maintain that as individuals, we can make a difference with simple steps, such as regular hand washing. It is also important that patients understand that antibiotics aren’t always the right course of treatment. Finally, it is crucial to take antibiotics out of the food chain. Fortunately, consumers are pushing for this, so we are likely to see changes in the near future.
【小题1】According to the passage, what are superbugs?| A．Effective and revolutionary antibiotics. | B．Small but powerful drug-resistant bacteria. |
| C．Tiny organisms found under a microscope. | D．Bacteria that could harm animals and humans. |
| A．The antibiotics for illness. | B．Some infected animals. |
| C．Patients’ awareness of treatment course. | D．The misuse of antibiotics. |
| A．Indifferent. | B．Neutral. | C．Pessimistic. | D．Optimistic. |
| A．Superbugs — Preventable or not? | B．Antibiotics — Beneficial or not? |
| C．Superbugs — Deadly Drug-resistant Bacteria | D．Antibiotics — Major Threats to Human Beings |
