UNIT 4: EvolutionDrug-Resistant Bacteria — A Global Health Issue

Soccer Players

Could a scraped knee land you in the hospital?

A bicyclist falls, scrapes his knees, and within a few days is unable to walk. Soccer players with turf burns suddenly find themselves in the hospital with skin infections that require intravenous antibiotics. Why are these young, healthy athletes developing such serious infections?

Staph Infections

These athletes were infected by Staphylococcus aureus, or "staph." Staph is a common bacteria that most people carry on the surface of their skin and in their nose. To cause an infection, staph bacteria must get inside your body. The scrapes athletes commonly get provide an ideal entrance. Serious problems caused by staph infections used to be rare. Doctors would prescribe antibiotics, such as penicillin, which killed the staph bacteria. Ordinary staph infections can still be treated this way. But the athletes in our examples did not have ordinary infections. These athletes’ scrapes were infected by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. This strain of bacteria is only one of many that has evolved resistance to antibiotics.

Drug-Resistant Bacteria

inset3_04.jpg

This petri dish contains Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Bacteria that can survive antibiotic treatment are called drug-resistant bacteria. Some bacteria have resistance for one particular antibiotic, some have resistance for several, and a few cannot be treated with any known antibiotic.

MRSA can resist an entire class of antibiotics. Patients who have an MRSA infection must often be treated with what doctors call “the drug of last resort,” vancomycin. Vancomycin is a drug that must be given intravenously. Not surprisingly, doctors began to see cases of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) in 1997.

Staph isn’t the only type of bacteria that is making a comeback with drug-resistant strains. For example, antibiotics developed to treat tuberculosis increased the survival rate of this disease to 98 percent. But now, drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis are killing 2.5 million people per year. Drug-resistant strains of cholera and bubonic plague also have been reported.

How Does Drug Resistance Evolve?

inset2_04.jpg

When you take antibiotics for a bacterial infection, billions of bacteria may be killed right away. However, there are likely to be a few that survive. Antibiotics kill the less resistant bacteria, leaving behind the more resistant bacteria to survive and reproduce. When resistant bacteria reproduce, the genes that make them resistant are passed on to their offspring; and bacteria reproduce rapidly. In six hours, one cell can produce as many as 500,000 offspring.

In addition to their ability to reproduce quickly, populations of bacteria evolve rapidly through another process as well. Bacteria use plasmids—small loops of DNA—to transfer genetic material between individual cells. This transfer of plasmids between cells is called conjugation. Some plasmids pass on resistance for one particular antibiotic. Others can transfer resistance for several antibiotics at once.

What characteristics do resistant bacteria pass on to their offspring? Some have cell walls that antibiotics cannot easily pass through. Others have pumps that remove antibiotics once they enter the cell. Some can even produce enzymes that attack the antibiotic drugs themselves.

Fighting Back

Some scientists are trying to develop ways to treat patients without killing the bacteria that are making them sick. Instead, they target the toxins produced by bacteria. If the bacteria are not harmed by the treatment, no selective pressure is produced. Scientists hope that by using this approach, bacteria will be slower to evolve defense mechanisms against the antibiotics. Other scientists hope to fight back by using bacteria’s ancient rival, bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria.

Unanswered Questions

Some important research questions involving drug resistant bacteria include the following:

  • Can plasmids or bacteriophages be used in vaccines to fight bacteria?
  • Are bacteria being exposed to antibiotics in sewage systems and evolving resistant strains there?
  • How do antibacterial soaps and household cleaners contribute to the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria?
  • Can drug-resistant bacteria be transferred from domestic animals to humans through food?

UPDATES: Straight from the Headlines

Technology

New Drug Delivery System

tech_04.jpg

Researchers at the University of South Florida decided to take on one of the most difficult bacterial infections of all, methicillin-resistant staph. They have developed a new class of antibiotics along with a new way to deliver it to the bacteria.

  • Antibiotics are bonded to nano-sized plastic balls. (One nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter.)
  • The “nanoballs” are dissolved in water, and the solution is released into the patient’s bloodstream. When the nanoballs reach the bacteria, the bacteria eat them.
  • Nanoballs release antibiotics inside bacterial cells.

Because the bacteria are “eating” the nanoballs, cell wall adaptations that once kept antibiotics out are no longer an obstacle.

Comments

Comment from: Dolly

March 10, 2009 01:19 PM [#]

I found this article very informative, and now I will definitely make sure that I clean all of my cuts and scrapes. Wow. That's all I have to say. Thanks Biozine, for potentially saving the lives of hundreds of kids by making this information avaliable to the public!

P.S. SoftSoap is the way to go when sterilizing your home. It contains the active ingredient "Triclosan", which proved to be the most effective in clinical trials.

Comment from: Dolly

March 10, 2009 01:31 PM [#]

Wow! I found this article to be EXTREMELY informative. I will definitely make sure that I clean out any of my cuts and scrapes thoroughly, and with antibacterial products. I would just like to say, thanks Biozine! For potentially saving the lives of hundreds of kids by getting this information out there to the public.

P.S. SoftSoap is the way to go in sanitizing your household. It contains the active ingredient "triclosan" which has been proven to be the most effective in killing bacteria in numerous clinical trials.

Again, thanks so much for your concern of public safety!!

Comment from: alex

August 28, 2009 09:01 AM [#]

so bad...

Comment from: Justin =[...

September 16, 2009 01:29 PM [#]

This article is very interesting. I am really interested in this topic.

Comment from: Zach

September 27, 2009 07:12 PM [#]

Pretty interesting... and a little worrisome.

Comment from: Katelin.. :)

October 12, 2009 07:57 AM [#]

I play soccer, so this kinda gives me the chills! I'm scared of getting staph! People in my school,have already gotten it.. Very helpful, I'll be more careful when i'm playing! Thanks :)

Comment from: Kelsey

October 18, 2009 11:21 AM [#]

It is amazing how a small thing can lead to a very interesting health concern. Glad i don't play soccer.

Comment from: Steven C1

October 26, 2009 06:00 AM [#]

Great article. Really makes you want to protect yourself better when you get scrapes or cuts.

Comment from: OrlandoC.R.1st CHS

October 26, 2009 06:07 AM [#]

Just stop trying to kill the bactira with antibiotic treatments! Its only gonna keep evolving and we will find ourselves in an evolutionary arms race with staph. Atheletes should just take baths and wash there hands after each work out. ^O^

Comment from: oliviag4CHS

October 26, 2009 11:43 AM [#]

I think that they should come up with a new idea against staph bacteria because apparently none of the other ones are working.They could make a vaccine for staph or something like that.....HINT HINT!!

Comment from: kelsey16

October 27, 2009 03:37 PM [#]

WOAH....I play soccer and that sounds pretty darn scary!! I cannot believe something so simple like a scrape could become such a big ordeal. Its so weird how the ANTIBOTICS just makes it so much worse than if you would of never used it.

Comment from: Danny.R........

October 28, 2009 11:23 AM [#]

I think this article is great for soccer players becouse, they get grass burned and sometimes they dont pay much attention to it, it could get infected...

Comment from: AManley (MMHS P2)

November 5, 2009 02:57 PM [#]

this is a serious subject and it needs to be fixed

Comment from: KCole

November 8, 2009 07:51 PM [#]

I found this article to be extremely informative.It kinda scares me to fall or get scraped in any sport or activity i play.This link should get out to the main stream society to protect kids that play and always get scraped up.But i found this article/link pretty informative.

Comment from: JReid (mmhs p2)

November 9, 2009 08:43 PM [#]

Scientists should study more on ways to cure the staph bacteria so athletes won't have to retire while they are young and are at the top of their game.

Comment from: EMAY(MMHS PD5):)))

November 9, 2009 08:50 PM [#]

well this article was very interesting.. i really need to hope i never get this.. I am allergic to Penicillin (the antibiotic). so that would not be good for me:((

Comment from: FDe Leon(MMHS P2)

November 16, 2009 05:45 PM [#]

I thought this article was very interesting, what I find most intersting is that the bacteria is evolving and fast.

Comment from: Rolando

November 17, 2009 08:30 AM [#]

wow, I guess you can't beat evolution

Comment from: RGomez (mmhs p6)

November 17, 2009 08:36 AM [#]

Bacteria is evolving faster than we can fight it

Comment from: VPinell [MMHS P4]

November 17, 2009 08:33 PM [#]

WOW i didn't know that "staph" even existed. but i'm surprised that a scrape on the knee can cause you to go to the hospital.

Comment from: DGuizar(MMHS P2)

November 18, 2009 04:29 PM [#]

Thats scary to know. does bacteriophages harm us in anyway?

Comment from: JOmoto (MMHS) P7

November 22, 2009 09:38 PM [#]

I found the article interesting learning how bacteria can evovle. Cool,but weird.

Comment from: KCole(MMHS P2)

November 25, 2009 07:46 PM [#]

I found this article to be extremely informative.It kinda scares me to fall or get scraped in any sport or activity i play.This link should get out to the main stream society to protect kids that play and always get scraped up.But i found this article/link pretty informative.

Comment from: MVargas (MMHS P6)

November 27, 2009 05:44 PM [#]

i wonder if there is any vitamin you can take or some type of daily pill you can take to prevent getting staph infections?

Comment from: Caroline

November 29, 2009 07:40 PM [#]

People are totally over reacting over this. There is only a small chance of you getting staphs! Relax and have fun playing sports. They are supposed to make you fall and get dirty. Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill!

Comment from: cboyle (MMHS P2)

December 1, 2009 08:17 PM [#]

its amazing how their can be such a severe effect for a little scratch. it sucks for the athletes who are always giving everything they have and getting those cuts and getting staph

Comment from: JRobidoux (MMHS P5)

December 5, 2009 04:57 PM [#]

this article was a real eye opener for me...i never knew that cuts and burns could be infected so easily, i never pay attention when i get cut but i definetly will now

Comment from: KBeckingham (MMHS P5)

December 9, 2009 09:20 PM [#]

I can't believe something like a simple cut could be so dangerous.People are going to have to be more careful now until scientists come up with a way to stop drug-resistant bacteria.

Comment from: IRobinson(MMHS P3)

December 10, 2009 05:42 PM [#]

I know lots of peolpe who get cuts i never new that such a little tiny thing chould be chould a big pro wow

Comment from: KLove(MMHS P6)

December 10, 2009 10:58 PM [#]

Cool Article, only wish there was more to it. I never realized that this kind of thing was so serious but not only that but how quickly it is spreading. This is definantly something I hope scientist are trying to resolve for if there isn't a plausable solution we are going to run out of methods so that even the common cold might be deathly.

Comment from: Tommy

December 13, 2009 12:43 PM [#]

This makes me more careful with injuries

Comment from: miguel

December 18, 2009 10:31 AM [#]

it makes me more caful when i play sports

Comment from: Taelor E. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 22, 2010 08:03 PM [#]

Wow. I can't believe that a little scratch can cause so much trouble. I will definitely wash my scratches quickly every time I get one. It is scary how the viruses and bacterials are becoming resistant to our medicines to the point that we can't kill them.

Comment from: Varand M. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 11:51 AM [#]

It's cool how you body sends different types of cells to fight off the germs.
I'm glad they still try to search for new vaccines to help our body fight off bacteris and pathogens.

Comment from: Ashlen S. Period 1 (DHNS)

February 25, 2010 07:16 PM [#]

It is amazing to learn that some viruses; like certain types of the staph infection can not be treated, with a antibiotic. This article makes me want to be more careful with the little scrapes i get. I have learned how carefully I should start treating a simple scrape, because it could turn in to something way worse.

Comment from: Ashlen S. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 07:25 PM [#]

It is amazing how a small thing like some types of staph infections can not be treated with an anitbiotic. I will now, be alot more careful when it comes to my scrapes and scratches. This article was very cool to read and imformative, but it also showed me how scary just a small, simple scrape can become, and how when its not treated right can lead you to go to the hospital.

Comment from: Santiago. G. Period 1

February 25, 2010 08:14 PM [#]

i think that it is pretty amazing that bacteria can produce enzymes that can acctually fight back the antibiotic

Comment from: Kevin Luong Per.1 -_-

February 25, 2010 08:36 PM [#]

Its unbelieveable that bacteria these days are becoming resistant to our medicines and vaccines. One day bacteria will grow to the point at which no pathogen can be killed, even by our antibiotics.

Comment from: Marissa A Per 1. (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 08:37 PM [#]

I have heard of staph infection before, but I never knew it could be so serious. It's wild how the bacteria can resist the antibiotics we have made over time. This proves we need to be sure to wash all cuts and scratches, or else we could end up in the hospital!

Comment from: Milller J. Period1(DNHS)

February 25, 2010 09:04 PM [#]

wow! I never thought that these things can happen.

Comment from: Andy R. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 09:06 PM [#]

It's amazing how you can be killed by just a tiny scratch.
It's not good that the staph keeps mutating and becoming resistant to our cures. I'll be sure to clean my scrapes and cuts much better now.

Comment from: Sydney S. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 09:08 PM [#]

i didn't know that even a little turf scrape can cause you to be in the hospital. Makes me want to be even more careful when I get injured. I hope they find more antibiotics to fight off all of the new strains!

Comment from: Blake M. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 09:38 PM [#]

I never knew that a tiny little scratch could result in these kinds of dangerous infections. I think that any kind of antibiotics we use on bacteria will only be useful for a short amount of time before it evolves. I don't think there will ever be a antibiotic that will not eventually stop working.

Comment from: Alexis B. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 09:46 PM [#]

i think its cool that scientists are turning to new and different ways to treat patients that are infected with drug-resistant bacteria. its good to know that there will be an answer to this health issue that effects many.

Comment from: Sina S. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 25, 2010 09:51 PM [#]

Its amazing how quickly those little bugga bacterias can spread and cause infections that can almost disable one of your body parts.... Its great that scientists are coming up with new antibiotics ever day, So they could fight the drug resistance bacteria with a new drug.

Comment from: Christy M. Period 1 (DNHS)

February 27, 2010 12:00 PM [#]

Its crazy how something like a little scratch can lead to Staph infections that can cause terrible damage and its crazy that bacteria is always evolving because that means that our medicine will have to continue evolving fast along with them. Its good that they are coming up with new ways to fight these bacteria though.

Comment from: Lance L. Per 1. (DNHS)

February 28, 2010 10:11 PM [#]

It's incredible to think about natural selection happening millions of times faster than it does in full sized organisms. It makes sense that this would have to happen. Humans can't and shouldn't be able to fight off all threats, and in reality, is each living bacteria cell really of any less value than you or me? Don't they have the right to keep themselves alive over us, just as we try to fight them off to keep ourselves alive? Think about it :)
Also, sorry I did this so late, I forgot

Comment from: Edward J. Bageman Per1. (DNHS)

March 2, 2010 09:45 PM [#]

It is so incredible how something so small can cause so much damage.

Comment from: JOSEPH H. (DNHS

March 2, 2010 09:53 PM [#]

THIS WAS A VERY BORING ARTICLE AND I SLEPT THROUGH IT AT THE MIDDLE.

Comment from: Alyssa J. (DHNS)

March 3, 2010 03:15 PM [#]

wow its so amazing how our body works in many different ways! this really helped me understand more about how our bodies fight off pathogens and other bacteria. its kind of cool how they use athletes as an example such as soccer players because i myself am an athlete & the way they put it made it simple for me to follow. this is a great article to read!

Comment from: James S. Period 1 (DNHS)

March 4, 2010 10:12 PM [#]

I DID NOT KNOW THAT SUCH A LITTLE SCRATCH IS OPEN TO SO MANY BUGS. I AM NOW DEFINITELY GOING TO BE MORE CAREFUL WHILE PLAYING SPORTS. I AM HAPPY THAT SCIENTISTS ARE WORKING TO MAKE OUR LIVES SAFER AND BACTERIA-FREE.

Comment from: mr.tyez dent

May 10, 2010 11:08 AM [#]

being infected by staph is shooking who knew that a scrape on a knee would be so infected

Comment from: Alex G Period 4 (DNHS)

May 23, 2010 11:09 AM [#]

This article was very informative. It is really scary that tb, cholera, and bubonic plague are now developing drug resistant strains. Hopefully new treatments will become available to combat these "drug resistant strains."

Comment from: Spencer H. (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 03:21 PM [#]

I never realized that infections such as the Bubonic Plague are having drug resistant strains. Hopefully scientists can find new drugs to counteract these drug-resistant strains. I will now definently be more careful with seemingly small scrapes, and cuts.

Comment from: Sebastian

May 24, 2010 04:15 PM [#]

This gave me loads of information and probably cause me to wash my hands more. I cannot believe they are now becoming so drug resistant. I guess the only ways are washing hands and eating healthy.

Comment from: Sebastian

May 24, 2010 04:18 PM [#]

I forgot to put school and stuff. i never knew washing you hands and cuts could be so important. I hope they make better drugs or vaccines for the serious ones.

Comment from: Sebatsian Pinzon

May 24, 2010 04:19 PM [#]

I think i forgot to again so its DNHS period 1 biology 2

Comment from: Jasleen G. Period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 04:22 PM [#]

Wow! It's strange how such little things can make a difference in our lives. I will definitely be more careful when I play sports. I can see how our bodies fight off these pathogens and other bacteria. It's amazing to see our body at work each day. It's a wonder how scientists create new ways to fight the drug-resistant bacteria. They are hard at work each day to protect us. I loved this article!

Comment from: Nicola Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 04:27 PM [#]

Staph infections are dangerous and scary. I hope a vaccine to prevent it is found soon! Make sure you wash your cuts!

Comment from: Scottie S. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 04:28 PM [#]

It is crazy how all these infections that were thought to be unharmful or easy to treat are now developing drug-resistant strands. it makes me wonder if some of these infections will make a come back and once again be very dangerous.

Comment from: Mia D. Period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 04:32 PM [#]

It's scary to think about how maybe one day other bacteria's will become recistent to our antibiotics. If staph can who say's others won't be able to?

Comment from: AbdulAziz Orainy Period 4 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 04:45 PM [#]

I didn't know i scrap or scratch you get can result in serious infections. I learned that bacteria grow and evolve to survive antibiotics that people us to treat the infection.

Comment from: Liz F. P5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 04:47 PM [#]

Whoa, totally didnt realize how serious such a tiny cut could be! Its really eye opening and scary that a little cut could give you something thats so serious and now drug resistant. Gonna be more careful.

Comment from: Ariella S Period 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 04:50 PM [#]

That is so scary that it cannot be treated my antibiotics. My dad once got it and they thought they would have to amputate his leg. Thank god it went away. I hope scientists are going to continue working hard to find a cure.

Comment from: Andre v. period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 05:06 PM [#]

wow this was boring Mrs. Craig
please dont make me read this stuff again.

Comment from: Monica D. (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 05:06 PM [#]

This article was interesting. I never knew being infected by staph could be so serious. It's amazing how a small injury like a scraped knee could land someone in a hospital.

Comment from: Alexandra W. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 05:21 PM [#]

I thought that this was interesting & that its weird how bacteria can resist medicine. Hopefully doctors can find a way to treat the drug resistant bacteria.

Comment from: CJ C. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 05:28 PM [#]

I think that we need to work hard to find a cure because this could get extremely dangerous. It already is bad but if other infections get more powerful, there will be no way to stop them.

Comment from: Pedram T. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 05:44 PM [#]

This is avery intrersting topic. It amazes me that bacteria can become drug resistant by natural selection

Comment from: Chelsea Seibel period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 06:03 PM [#]

This was interesting. I did'nt know that a bacteria could build up in your nose. it's unfortunate that a minor injury could get someone in the hospital. Also this is informative for all the althetes out there.

Comment from: Katie W. Period 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 06:31 PM [#]

I am already aware of the serious consequences of contracting staph infections. My grandpa got one while working in his woodshop. He's all right now, but ever since then I've been careful to wash any cuts and scrapes. I don't want to have to go to the hospital like him.
This was a very interesting article, and it gave me more insight as to how staph infections have become such a problem.

Comment from: Mackenzie Z Period 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 06:42 PM [#]

It concerns me that drug resistant bacteria are increasing at such a rapid rate. It is interesting what scientists are doing to try and treat drug resistant bacteria. It opens the doors for innovations in the science field and new ways to possibly treat staph infections. Hopefully, scientists will be able to develop a way to treat highly drug resistant bacteria. Especially for viruses that are increasing their drug resistance like tuberculosis.

Comment from: Roisin A. Period 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 06:45 PM [#]

I find this interesting at how one little scrape can lead to such a big injury. Its also kind of scary how you never know what will come of a paper cut or a scape on your knee.

Comment from: Chase F. P.5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 06:58 PM [#]

I find it amazing and scary that such minor, everyday cuts could turn into very serious diseases. I know people who have had a staph infection and it was very serious. I hope doctors will find ways to get around this drug- resistant problem. The bacteria is evolving to our bodies....mutations...

Comment from: Nadir M. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 07:07 PM [#]

Wow, this information is amazing, yet scary at the same time. I never knew that the bacteria (staph) on our skin could end up causing a severe illness. Maybe scientists should rethink the matter of the amount of living bacteria they put in antibiotics because of the way the drug resistant bacteria evolves.. As a result of this article I'll probably be more conscious about the little cuts and scrapes I get.

Comment from: Troy G. Per. 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 07:15 PM [#]

This article teaches and informs me about what diseases could affect you a lot. Also teaching me to clean cuts and stay healthy

Comment from: Morgan P. period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 07:24 PM [#]

I had no idea that one little scratch like that has the potential to become such a serious problem. Now i will definitely be more careful while playing sports. i hope scientists and doctors will figure out away to stop these drug resistant bacteria.

Comment from: Mady B. period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 07:26 PM [#]

This article can make everybody more aware of the subject. What might seem like a harmless cut can lead to "Staph". It was very interesting and informative to learn about this bacteria and how the body can have its own resistance to certain antibiotics.

Comment from: Will T Period 2 DNHS

May 24, 2010 07:36 PM [#]

This is not okay. Bacteria that are immune to treatment would be a huge threat if there were a major outbreak. I blame the overuse of antibiotics in food supply (cows, pigs) to keep them healthy. Clearly the bacteria are changing. Be wary of cuts and scrapes, clean them immediately and whatnot. The overuse of the drugs that get rid of the bacteria are actually helping to breed superior strains of diseases.

Comment from: Kevin T. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 07:40 PM [#]

This article informed me about "staph", unlike most inffections that come from an outside source, staph comes from yourself. Also in my opinion scientist should try to make antibiotics that target the stronger bacteria leaving behind the weak ones instead of targeting the weak bacteria leave the strong bacteria to reproduce.

Comment from: Catarina B P5(DNHS)

May 24, 2010 07:47 PM [#]

This article was very interesting! It's amazing how such minor injuries can have such drastic effects. I hope that we can find new ways to fight off these oncoming threats. In the meantime I'll remember to be careful with cuts and scrapes.

Comment from: Mitchell K. Per. 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 07:47 PM [#]

It's amazing how just an ordinary scratch can land you in the hospital with a serious infection, and to make matters worse it's a bacteria. I never knew about staph, and how serious it is. While in baseball, I'll have to pay more attention to little cuts I get to prevent this infection.

Comment from: Amanda S. DNHS

May 24, 2010 07:54 PM [#]

It doesn't surprise me that bacteria are changing! I think the idea of using bacteriophages to defeat the bacteria is really interesting but simple! I think its a good idea but I do kinda wonder about what the risk may come with injecting that into our systems!

Comment from: Aaron B. Per.4(DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:01 PM [#]

This article is pretty freaky,because it makes me worry that other more serious bacteria might become resistant to drugs. I definantly am gonna wash my cuts with anti-bacterial stuff now.

Comment from: Matt B. Per. 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:04 PM [#]

I thought this article was very interesting. I never knew that bacteria could be everywhere even just on your skin. It is sad that athletes are getting staph. I think this is an artice that everyone nedds to read and be aware of the effects of bacteria.

Comment from: Kitzia H. Period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:06 PM [#]

Its incredible how fast bacteria can spread! I will be more carefull next time i get a cut or scrape. Hopefully doctors will find ways to stop these drug resistent bacteria. If not, they could become a serious threat.

Comment from: Anthony T. Per.1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:06 PM [#]

This is truly fascinating. I really do hope that we can find a cure for this type of bacteria. It seems impossible to stop, but with the right studies and experiments and formulas, we eventually will have a cure i think.

Comment from: Jamie B. DNHS Per. 2

May 24, 2010 08:14 PM [#]

Yikes, its scary that deadly diseases like the bubonic plague and tuberculosis are making a comeback. One of the main reasons of the rise of these superbugs, is we take antibiotics for everything. You go to the doctors with a cough (I'm not sure who would go to the doctor with a cough, unless is was awful coughing) and they prescribe antibiotics. There is absolutely no reason to take antibiotics for something like this. In addition to contributing to the rise of the superbugs, this can cause your immune system to because relaxed and less stringent. We should invest more time and money into the advancements of technology to target and bacteria such as bacteriophage.

Comment from: Dani B. Period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:18 PM [#]

interesting to know how much danger there is in just getting one little cut. and that it might get infected with something that no drugs can get rid of.

Comment from: Robert A. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:36 PM [#]

It is kind of unsettling to know that bacteria are evolving and changing. The ones that scare me the most though, are the ones about Bubonic Plague and Cholera. The bacteria that produce those diseases are deadly and it worries me to know that they are still around. On another note, I actually like the idea of using bacteriophages. It allows us to fight back against disease.

Comment from: Hunter M. DNHS Period 4

May 24, 2010 08:44 PM [#]

Wow, this article really suprises me, its definatly something thats not expected considering the face that you can be in the best shape and still get a staff infection which could kill you i definatly will be more careful when i get little cuts

Comment from: Nicole Urban perio.4 <3

May 24, 2010 08:45 PM [#]

Its crazy how so many athletes dont know that this can happen to them. Hopefully, scientists will be able to develop a way to treat highly drug resistant bacteria. Especially for viruses that are increasing their drug resistance such as tuberculosis. this shows me that next time i have a cut i will know to keep it clean

Comment from: Taylor S Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:45 PM [#]

WOW! This was very interesting and surprising to read! I know a lot of friends who play soccer, and it's scary to know a simple scrape can cause such a big deal. Knowing that the antibiotics made it even worse makes everything seem that much scarier and worse.

Comment from: Catarina B

May 24, 2010 08:46 PM [#]

Sorry! I'm actually in period 1, but I put P5 on accident.

Comment from: Lauren K. Per. 5 DNHS

May 24, 2010 08:47 PM [#]

I'm surprised to learn the bacteria are changing and that something simple like a cut can lead to a a staph infection, and can cause you to be in the hospital. I think that using bacteriophages is a really interesting idea, and i hope we can find more new ways to combat these infections.

Comment from: Sarah L. Period 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 08:58 PM [#]

I thought this article was very interesting. I never knew that a tiny scratch to lead to a very serious infection that could possibly not have a cure. From the way they described it, it seems like antibiotics dont really help you at all. They just kill all the weak bacteria and leave all the strong bacteria behind to reproduce. I would think if they were to give someone an antibiotic, it should be able to kill all of the becteria.

Comment from: Andrew J. (DNHS) per.5

May 24, 2010 09:02 PM [#]

This is a very good artical. Now I know why you need to clean and cover cuts and scrapes so I don't get sick. Its also cool to learn that there is a virus for bacteria.

Comment from: Alissa G. Per. 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:12 PM [#]

Is it really that easy to get an infection as serious as going to the hospital just from bacteria? That's pretty severe. When I read the part about only the strong bacteria reproducing, it made me realize how hard it is to completely get rid of a ciratain type of bacteria. I have to be more careful with my cuts!

Comment from: Connor

May 24, 2010 09:15 PM [#]

I found this article to be extremely interesting but it kind of got me on the cautious side when it comes to injuries. I will make sure that i clean out every cut or scrape i get so there is no chance of me catching any of these infections.

Comment from: Veronique D. Period 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:16 PM [#]

This is a very interesting article and made me more aware of making sure that cuts and scrapes won't be infected. It is scary that some bacteria are becoming immune to antibiotics! I have never considered that, in addition to eukaryotes, bacteria (prokaryotes) can evolve as well! I hope that doctors find more effective cures to diseases caused by "invincible" bacteria.

Comment from: Rylie K. Per. 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:16 PM [#]

Along with what Amanda said, its not a surprising discovery that bacteria is changing. Like everything else, it seems to have its own way of evolving. I have heard of a "staph" infection before, but I didnt exactly know what it was, or what it did. This article was very interesting to me, because I am an athlete, I have to watch everything that happens to me, even little cuts and scrapes!

Comment from: Jason Y., Period 4 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:18 PM [#]

Wow, I didn't think that a simple cut could cause an infection that serious. Although its interesting that bacteria can evolve that quickly to become resistant to antibiotics.

Comment from: Britnie C. per 4. (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:22 PM [#]

THIS FREAKS ME OUT!! I was just watching a show on all these killer bacterias and stuff. Defiantly gonna clean out cuts better for now on!

Comment from: Katarina S. (DNHS Period 4)

May 24, 2010 09:23 PM [#]

This article is extremely intresting. I can't believe something as small as a cut or scrape can cause so much problems. I thinking it's kind of scary to think that bacteria that enters our body is now becoming more and more resistant to our medicines. This proves we need to quickly clean out any wounds before too much bacteria enters our blood stream. I think the bacteriophages is a really good idea. And it's reasonable and simple to do, but the risks of putting something "foreign" in our body systems also seems threatening. I think more research should be done in order to find the best "cure" for this problem!

Comment from: Lily H DNHS P.1

May 24, 2010 09:23 PM [#]

wow i didnt know you so much trouble could come from a little scrape!! i've heard of staph but i had no idea how serious it is!! im going to be a lot more careful with my little scrapes and cuts i get while playing sports.

Comment from: Lily H DNHS P.1

May 24, 2010 09:24 PM [#]

wow i didnt know you so much trouble could come from a little scrape!! i've heard of staph but i had no idea how serious it is!! im going to be a lot more careful with my little scrapes and cuts i get while playing sports.

Comment from: Alyssa W. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:26 PM [#]

my sister had a staff infection when she was 7 causing her to go to the hospital. i always wondered why such a small cut almost killed her. now i know! and its very interesting

Comment from: Alyssa W. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:27 PM [#]

my sister had a staff infection when she was 7 causing her to go to the hospital. i always wondered why such a small cut almost killed her. now i know! and its very interesting

Comment from: Cass S. Period 4 DNHS

May 24, 2010 09:29 PM [#]

This article made me realize how important it is to stay healthy and be cautious of your cuts. It impressive how something so simple can cause so many things. Good article for us to read.

Comment from: Lorena B Period 5 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:30 PM [#]

It is very shocking that these common infections have evolved into dangerous things that resist all sorts of treatment. People never think about the consequences of just a minor cut or infection. Bacteria will most likely continue to become resistant to all different types of drugs that are used to treat it. It is scary that the last resort drug is now also becoming useless in treating MRSA. This is a good reason people should be more careful. Our health is at a huge disadvantage because the bacteria will reproduce quickly and make more that is resistant to treatment. Hopefully scientists will find out a fix for this growing epidemic!

Comment from: Brittany W. Per. 4 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 09:39 PM [#]

This was very interesting, but i'm just worried about what will happen when all of the bacteria become ammune to every antibiotic. Besides, of course the bacteria evolved! We were just learning about how organisms suvived by adaptations, well bacteria are just trying to survive too - even if they do harm other organisms.

Comment from: Mackenzie V. DNHS

May 24, 2010 09:54 PM [#]

This article is very informative!! I would have never known. It's very interesting that bacteria can resist medicine! I will be also way more careful of scrapes and cuts. I don't want to have a disease!!

Comment from: Tammy A. Per. 2 DNHS

May 24, 2010 10:08 PM [#]

I think this is really interesting but really scary for athletes to get a staph infection because i know you can get them easily from terf if you play a sport on the football field... weird

Comment from: Akhil P DNHS PER 4

May 24, 2010 10:24 PM [#]

This article was very informative and really opened my eyes. Just a little cut could have such a big impact really shocked me. I will throughouly wash any cuts I get from now on.

Comment from: Monica D. Period 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 10:46 PM [#]

This article was informative and interesting. I am now aware that a few more resistant bacteria with their selective advantages like cell walls, pumps, and enzymes against antibiotics have the ability to survive and reproduce quickly passing on their characterisics. I agree with some scientists that by not harming the bacteria in treatment they will be slower when evolving with defense mechanisms.

Comment from: Carter D. Per.1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 10:57 PM [#]

I think its a trip that there are infections that kick it on the grass and get in your body through a scrape. I also think its crazy that an infection that used to be able to be killed so easily came back and is now harder to get rid of and more effective. Lastly, its pretty scary that some bacteria can survive even after using an antibiotic for it.

Comment from: Francine D. Per. 2 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 10:58 PM [#]

This article frightened me... To consider the fact that there are bacteria that are resistant to our medical defenses is terrifying. What if there was an outbreak of this bacteria, and none of our medicines could battle it? We'd be akin to sitting ducks. I suppose we have to wait for the medical specialists to come up with some sort of new "weapon" against the changing bacteria. Until then, I suppose it's up to us to keep our bodies healthy and in "ship-shape".

Comment from: Chase W. period 4 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 11:03 PM [#]

Wow, I always thought a little scrape on my knee was nothing.
It's scary to know that, that a little cut from a sport could result in a nasty case of staph.
Scientists really need to find a solution for these drug resistant bactieria.

Comment from: Ben H. Per. 1 (DNHS)

May 24, 2010 11:10 PM [#]

I think that it is scary that infections we found solutions to long ago, are now able to be resistant to the treatment. They are coming back at us with our treatment options more limated than ever before. I can only hope that soon some science will be devolped to solve this problem.

Comment from: Isabel G. Per. 1 (DHNS)

May 24, 2010 11:45 PM [#]

It's dangerous that bacteria can become drug restistant. It shows that people who are hurt should take care to protect their wounds. I like the idea of targeting the bacteriophages, that infect the bacteria, and its toxins. That way, the bacteria will not see a "reason" to have to be mutated to survive. It's a better stragety, in my opinion, for the long run. Because very soon, most bacterias could be drug resistant.

Comment from: Dana C. Period 2 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 06:02 AM [#]

This article intrigued me because I play sports. It's daunting to know that a scrape an cause an infection that can kill you. I will definitely be more careful, knowing this information. Hopefully one day, scientists will find a cure or create new antibiotics to fight these types of infections.

Comment from: Brad N. Per.4 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 07:38 AM [#]

Wow this article was very surprising. I can not believe all of these horrible bacteria can hurt you and maybe even kill you when you get a cut. I will make sure to wash my cuts right away next time. It is just scary. It is also scary that these bacteria are drug resistant. Knowing that they could still be in you and reproduce even after taking medicine is a scary thing. Overall, though i think this was a very cool article to read.

Comment from: Andrew K.

May 25, 2010 07:59 AM [#]

It is a little worrisome that even a small scrape can have you winding up in a hospital so quickly.

Comment from: Jeffrey V. Per.2 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 08:21 AM [#]

Reading this made me think of all the small things that happen when something bigger is on the way, if you don't take care of yourself.

Comment from: Coley D. per.2 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 08:41 AM [#]

thank god for antibiotics even though it doesnt kill all of the bacteria it still kills some of it. hope we can come up with a antibiotic that can kill all of the bacteria so it can reproduce.

Comment from: Coley D. per.2. (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 08:47 AM [#]

wow thank God for antibiotics or we would be in big trouble the bad thing is the antibiotics still doesnt kill all of the bacteria, hopefully we can find a antibiotic that can.

Comment from: Chris W. period 4

May 25, 2010 09:26 AM [#]

I'm glad that we have antibiotics because if we didn't have antibiotics, we would be in a pandemic or something crazy that we would be able to fix but not able to be fixed cause of no antibiotics.

Comment from: Nicholas V. Period 5 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 10:43 AM [#]

That's pretty weird how some drugs cant kill bacteria...but i hope in the future we will discover drugs that can cure all diseases or infections. This was interesting article.

Comment from: Varand M. Period 4 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 11:50 AM [#]

It's really scary how there is a certain bacteria that actually needs to be treated or else it can cause serious issues. Also we can only cure bacterial infections. Viral infections we cannot cure.

Comment from: Anissa R. Period 5 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 12:57 PM [#]

This is really scary because if we can no longer fight off these bacteria, then something as common as a scrape could kill us! We need to clean out scrapes, think of creative ways to solve this problem, and always take antibiotics the full ten days perscribed.

Comment from: Bryan L. Period 4 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 01:02 PM [#]

Wow...that's really gross and scary. It makes me think twice about leaving an open cut untreated...

Comment from: Andrew A. (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 02:02 PM [#]

After Reading this article now I have mixed feelings on even learning this stuff, but it’s pretty interesting. Thank goodness of antibiotics.

Comment from: Adham R

May 25, 2010 03:02 PM [#]

Rather fascinating how mindless modern doctors don't have enough moxie to lead to the vantage point that antibiotics will only cause today's germs to strengthen; it empowers them to evolve superbly.

Comment from: Kate A. Per.5(DNHS)

May 25, 2010 04:03 PM [#]

Extremely fascinating, yet terrifying at the same time.

Comment from: TJ per. 5 DNHS

May 25, 2010 04:11 PM [#]

I never knew such a small cut could lead to such a big problem and at the same time somewhat concerns me. I hope this information about staph becomes more common to people to keep us more safe.

Comment from: Tyler H. Per.5 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 05:30 PM [#]

WOW! just a little scrape can leave you unable to walk.... I find it intresting that the bacteria has learned how to resist the antibiotics it is pretty cool how that can do that but not very good for the athlete.

Comment from: Matt long per. 5 (dnhs)

May 25, 2010 07:51 PM [#]

my dad always would always tell me after football games on turf fields especially to wash all my cuts with soap so i didnt lose an arm to staph infection. now i know why. its scary to think you could die from such a small think like a cut getting infected

Comment from: James P. period 5 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 09:25 PM [#]

A very intesting topic on how bateria can have a diffrent affect on the host and how they can also be immune to certain medications used to destroy it

Comment from: Corey M. Period 4 (DNHS)

May 25, 2010 09:37 PM [#]

I agree that we should find a way to stop the bacteria without killing them. Either that or we could find a cure for drug-resistant bacteria. Before i read this i had no idea that a scrape can cause you to be unable to walk. I'll make sure to wash my scrapes now.

Comment from: Lisa S. Period 4 (DNHS)

May 26, 2010 05:14 PM [#]

It's really amazing that one can get sent to the hospital from something as minor seeming as a cut or a scrape. It's also amazing how fact bacteria evolve, so that we don't have anti-biotics to help us when we become infected. To me, this says that we should keep ourselves very healthy in the first place, and keep our immune systems strong so that if something like a staph infection occurs, our bodies will be better prepared!

Comment from: Spencer H. period 4 (DNHS)

May 26, 2010 06:06 PM [#]

just a little scrape can make you a cripple. Its carzy how bacteria has learned how to become resistant to the antibiotics it is pretty cool.

Comment from: Katie t. Per 5

May 26, 2010 06:59 PM [#]

I found this article very interesting. I had no idea that such serous problems could acure just from a scrape on the knee.It makes me think twice about not bothering with a cut.

Comment from: Kristina Period 4

May 28, 2010 06:53 AM [#]

Wow, its scary what a small scrape can do to you.

Comment from: Matthew J. Per.4 (DNHS)

June 5, 2010 03:24 PM [#]

Before reading this I had a vague i dea that some bacteria built up resistance to antibacterial treatments and products. I didnt fully understand, however, that these resistances could be so serious, and that because the bacteria is resistant, they could become so serious from something as small as a scrape.

Comment from: Robert A. Period 4 (DNHS)

June 8, 2010 10:05 AM [#]

This is actually an important thing to look at. If they can't find a way to later prevent such infections we will have a big problem in the future. I'm kind've scared of not treating such simple scrapes now.

Comment on This Article

Your comment needs to be approved by the BioZine moderator before it will appear on the article page. Thanks for waiting.