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New Wave of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Posted by kdawson on from the gram-of-prevention dept.

reporter writes "New strains of 'Gram-negative' bacteria have become resistant to all safe antibiotics. Though methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the best-known antibiotic-resistant germ, the new class of resistant bacteria could be more dangerous still. 'The bacteria, classified as Gram-negative because of their reaction to the so-called Gram stain test, can cause severe pneumonia and infections of the urinary tract, bloodstream, and other parts of the body. Their cell structure makes them more difficult to attack with antibiotics than Gram-positive organisms like MRSA.' The only antibiotics — colistin and polymyxin B — that still have efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria produce dangerous side effects: kidney damage and nerve damage. Patients who are infected with Gram-negative bacteria must make the unsavory choice between life with kidney damage or death with intact kidneys. Recently, some new strains of Gram-negative bacteria have shown resistance against even colistin and polymyxin B. Infection with these new strains typically means death for the patient."

9 of 404 comments (clear)

  1. A race against evolution by eskayp · · Score: 2, Funny

    If science and technology don't win the race against evolution who will be around to crown the winner?

    The bugs?

    --
    I didn't desert Windows; Windows deserted me: BSOD
  2. Death with intact kidneys by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'd really be pissed if that happened to me.

    1. Re:Death with intact kidneys by EdIII · · Score: 3, Funny

      Actually, I don't think your kidneys would stay intact very long if you died.

      Just long enough to go well with some Fava Beans and a glass of Chianti... or is that liver?

  3. Re:Thanks by ColdWetDog · · Score: 3, Funny

    disinfectant abusers

    Wow. Never heard of that one. I guess I'll just have to hide in the bathroom to wash my hands.

    --
    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
  4. Re:Taking Kidneys offline by Nadaka · · Score: 4, Funny

    Congratulations, you just wrote the next episode of House.

  5. Re:Taking Kidneys offline by timnbron · · Score: 5, Funny

    I am a med student studying on renal physiology (test on friday...)

    Let me know if you pass, then I'll mod you up.

    --
    There are some who call me ... Tim.
  6. Re:Life lesson by Bradkey · · Score: 2, Funny

    Kids, of course, are constantly using antibiotics to get high.

  7. Do you really want to know the answer? by geekmux · · Score: 2, Funny

    Story A - Every pharm company wanting to make a buck has pushed antibiotics into every nook and cranny, eventually creating strains of resistant bacteria.

    Story B - An secret organization, funded by __________ has developed resistant strains to maintain and control ___________, and in some cases even __________.

    Nope, I really don't want to know the real story.

  8. Re:Idea by zill · · Score: 5, Funny

    This is mother-in-law we're talking about here.