Feed Lot Magazine Online, The Real Antibiotics Issue Part V

For the last several months we have been discussing how medical schools continue to teach that the low level use of antibiotics is the primary cause of bacterial resistance. As a result, the use of feed antibiotics has been unfairly criticized. The reality is that high level "therapeutic" use genetically selects for resistant bacteria and results in resistance much more quickly than low level use. As we discussed last time, bacteria resistant to a broad spectrum of human antibiotics have not been found in animals. They are found in hospitals. The bottom line is that resistant bacteria that pose a threat to humans are a result of overuse of antibiotics in humans - not animals.

Why is there over-use of human antibiotics? As discussed previously, while the "therapeutic" only theory of antibiotics is not correct, another adage taught in medical schools is. Specifically, physicians are told they must not prescribe antibiotics unless they are absolutely necessary. By limiting the use; you limit the potential for resistance.

Unfortunately, when medical students get out into practice, they find their lofty ideals of prescription derailed by dictates of the non-medical world. To a certain extent, their patients demand antibiotics. For colds or flu which are viral diseases unaffected by antibiotics; their patients don't want to be told there are no medications that will help. They want the doctor to give them a prescription. If their doctor sends them away empty-handed, they won't come back.

The More Powerful Force in Over-Prescription.

Beyond demanding patients, there is a much more powerful factor forcing physicians to prescribe antibiotics when they are not necessary or appropriate - the legions of malpractice and personal injury lawyers in this country. Predators of opportunity, ready and willing to distort and exploit any medical complication.

As a result, if there is any chance for bacterial infection - no matter how remote - doctors are forced to practice defensive medicine. They must prescribe antibiotics. Not only that, but when there is an infection, they must begin with the newest, most powerful drugs available. Virtually all medical organizations and the CDC strongly admonish that newer more powerful human antibiotics be used only as a last resort (so as to minimize the potential of resistance from occurring).

In the real world, however, physicians cannot hold the newest drugs in reserve. They must use them first. Otherwise, they risk their responsible and ethical intentions being demonized and distorted in court. The result, as we discussed last time, according to the Center for Disease Control, each year there are 50 million unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics. However, even that is a gross under-estimate. This number only includes prescriptions where antibiotics would be totally ineffective. In actual fact, the 50 million figure is only the tip of the iceberg.

As mentioned, the inescapable conclusion is that bacterial resistance to human antibiotics has occurred due to overuse in humans. But rather than deal with the real problem, more politically acceptable answers have been to blame the livestock industry, or even patients. Indeed, we often hear that patients are responsible because they don't take all their prescriptions (alluding to the old high level vs low level myth).

Next time- How to reduce the overuse of antibiotics.

Dr. Porter Price is a consulting nutritionists, and feeder and range cattle specialist. He has a subscription newsletter and several books for sale. For more information, contact Feed*Lot Magazine at 800-798-9515.