Use of Antibiotics

The underlying theme within the articles (especially the last 3) is the need for more research around the impact increased use of antimicrobials and antibiotics have on human health.

I enjoyed the first article because it was a clear explanation on why industrial farms are using antibiotics with their animals, and I appreciated learning about "non therapeutic use". I understand why this is being done, but I do not understand why it needs to be so excessive. I also thought it was nice how the article was outlining the scientific/biological explanations around antibiotic resistance. I agree with the recommendations around creating legislative restrictions on non therapeutic antibiotic use in industrial farming!

I thought learning about the "superbug" was interesting. It is a little disturbing to read that people can get this even from non-direct contact with the farm animals. We need research on exposure/mode of transmission. The article on the antimicrobial wipes was fascinating because I (and I think we as a society) assume that if something says "antimicrobial" that is is a more effective/protective way to clean! I liked the clarity of the last article/policy brief and I connected a lot with the recommendation to only use microbial that have undergone EPA evaluation to know that they are not going to increase risk of hospital associated infections. This topic also needs some more research. Overall, very interesting reads.