Abstract

Antibiotic resistant bacteria pose a major threat to human health, and without intervention, they could become more deadly than cancer. A resistance gene is the result of a mutation in the bacterial genome, and it can spread to other bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. When bacteria possess the resistance gene, they are able to survive in the presence of antibiotics. The rapid spread of resistant bacteria is due to the misuse of antibiotics in medicine, agriculture, veterinary care, and in the general population. These groups together are responsible for the increasingly high rates of resistant bacteria. The spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria has serious consequences including financial impacts, illness, and fatalities. These consequences can be even more severe in regions that have a lack of access to medical care. An effective solution will combine both local and global efforts in a united “One Health” approach; increasing education, research, antibiotic efficiency, prevention, and economic investment from all nations. The combination of these five objectives will help to greatly reduce the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and increase the lifespan of our current antibiotics. Immediate action and development of a global policy is needed in order to prevent unnecessary illness and fatalities.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2019

Mentor

William J. Staddon

Mentor Professional Affiliation

Biological Sciences

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Biological Sciences

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