Comments on: New Antibiotic-Resistant Superbug Found: Should Everybody Panic?

By: Flavia Osawa

Flavia Osawa — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:57:16 +0000

The first answer is the best. Since it’s a long term condition, make it a habit of using it every night. It will take time to get rid of it but will also keep it away.

By: Ninna Desert

Ninna Desert — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 17:09:09 +0000

The problem is that some people from Western countries go to India for surgery because it is cheaper. However some come back with the superbug infection and it is passed on here. This is why we should be concerned about it spreading to other countries.

By: tiger

tiger — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:34:11 +0000

D Browm i do not understand what you are saying to me it doesnt make sense but could u explain further

By: kw

kw — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:21:46 +0000

Addendum: Maryn McKenna’s blog has an interesting write-up on NDM-1 and how it’s resistance gene is now found in the gram-negative bacteria which are already the most difficult bacteria for which to devise antibiotics.
She also notes that most cases were not acquired through medical tourism and that there are community-acquired cases.

By: roy

roy — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:19:12 +0000

KW – I think the genetic-alteration thing is similar to what viruses do, which is use our living tissue to perpetuate their own genes, and even infilter them into our gene pool, to the point where we can even pass them on. Of course, most of the time it has no effect or is even beneficial.

Although nature is diabolically clever, consider the fact that humans were able to nail this thing down so quickly, even if they don’t have a cure. I think human knowledge is advancing so quickly that we’re going to continue to outrun the bullet on this stuff.

By: kw

kw — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 22:02:40 +0000

Do I understand correctly that we are not talking about a new species of bacteria, but a gene that allows any species of bacteria that causes some degree of harmful effects in humans to acquire immunity to all known antibiotics? That sounds much more alarming than saying this or that single, particular species has mutated into a form that has acquired antibiotic resistance. Can I panic now? Ah, if only the Reveres at Effect Measure hadn’t retired from blogging.

By: tiger

tiger — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:57:36 +0000

nvm to my last ?

By: tiger

tiger — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:56:21 +0000

When was this article even published and how “up to date” is it???????

By: surge

surge — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:23:23 +0000

I agree with the comment on overly usage of antibiotics, though, I blame the patients consuming them without questioning or making an effort to find out the cons of it, just seeking quick relief. Harms of antibiotics are no doctors’ secret. And what with all those anti-bacterial hand wash and what not – give the bacteria some break from mutating.
The bit on religion – religious people are the problem. It is religion that kills reasoning (which leads to thoughtless prescription and usage of antibiotics as well, to speak in the current context.)

By: Chris the Canadian

Chris the Canadian — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:53:20 +0000

I agree with you mike. Doctors prescribe anti-biotics for everything it seems. It’s not surprising to see bacteria fight back. They’ve been around a lot longer than we have and will be around when we are gone.

By: D BROWM

D BROWM — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 06:23:09 +0000

LETS SEE, WAS IT Bactophages (?) THAT, IF YOU FOUND THE RIGHT kILLED ONE Bacteria AT A TIME. THEN THEY SPRED FROM THAT ONE CELL TO KILL ALL OF THAT ONE KIND OF Bacteria

By: mike

mike — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:16:16 +0000

Maybe if doctors would stop prescribing antibiotics for a cut than maybe we wouldn’t have such a problem with superbugs. Religion isn’t the problem, people are. Plus knowing that the US only has 1 antibiotic left that hasn’t been used is a little bit ridiculous. Anybody with me?

By: wowlfer

wowlfer — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:07:14 +0000

We need a genetically tailored bacteria like this to rid the world of religion. We would be far better off without it!

By: tony

tony — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:57:18 +0000

Finally….a well balanced, scientific article on the issue…no wonder Discover is one of the most reputed magazines in Science. Great job!

By: Rhacodactylus

Rhacodactylus — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:24:54 +0000

Of Course, Panic is the appropriate reaction to anything new dammit.