Too Much Antibiotics, Bacteria More Resistant

The overuse of antibiotics increases bacterial resistance

The research carried out in Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium, proved the existence of a direct link between antibiotics and bacterial resistance.

Volunteers were divided into three groups, the first two groups got azitromicin and klaritromicin, and the third nothing – placebo. Participants were tested on streptococcus.

The results showed an increased bacterial resistance of 50% in 8 days with klaritromicin, and 50 % in four days with azitromicin. In participants who received placebo there were no changes.

Azitromicin increased (bacterial) resilience in a very short time, while klaritromicin (had such effect) on bacteria which carry the gene erm (B), which reacts to macrolid antibiotics.

Both antibiotics increased resilience in harmless bacteria in the mouth after 180 days of consummation.

'The doctors should keep in mind our results while they write out prescriptions', Dr Herman Goosens, the research leader for Lancet magazine said.