The development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

19. Factors contributing to high occurrence of TB in Canadian Aboriginal Population? 

Despite the steady decline in TB rates across Canada, the diseases persists in many Aboriginal communities to date. One of the factors contributing to this include the overcrowded housing that increases the possibility of infectious cases being spread in the household. Additionally, HIV, substance abuse, diabetes, and other illnesses have led to weakened immune systems that heighten the risk of the disease after infection. 

20. Why is a person with latent TB not infectious? 

The incidence of latent tuberculosis refers to cases where the patient is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but does not have active TB which makes it not infectious to other people. 

21. Factors that contribute to the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

Some of the factors that have led to the global threat of antibiotic resistance include, over-prescription of antibiotic drugs, patients failing to finish the entire dosage of antibiotic drugs, poor infection control in hospitals and other healthcare settings, low levels of hygiene and sanitation, lack of discovery of new antibiotic drugs, and overuse of antibiotics in fish and livestock farming. 

22. a. Inhibition results of the Kirby-Bauer test on Sensitive (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R) 

22. b. Explain which of the above antibiotic provides the most effective treatment for this strain of S. aureus 

The antibiotic that provides the most effective treatment is Ampicillin whereby the susceptibility of the S. aureus begins at 29 mm or more and according to the Kirby-Bauer test it is currently at 34mm making it capable of eliminating the bacterium completely. 

23. Venn diagram comparing and contrasting antibiotics and antivirals. 

24. Why is the practice of using dishtowels, cutting boards, and other household articles that are labeled “antibacterial” may be questionable. 

The very nature of bacteria particularly in genetic variability, there has been growing concern that there particular strains of bacteria that are becoming resistant to disinfectants. Additionally, the use of such disinfectants has been associated with antibiotic resistance especially where the former acts in a similar way to the latter. 

Key Question 

21. Description of antibiotics and antivirals using examples. 

It is evident that in the modern world, human beings are surrounded endlessly by various strains of illnesses. Medical workers and researchers concerned with public health are actively using the designs of antibiotics and antivirals to help cure the disease. These types of medication are particularly important to individuals as they have been an important factor in the eradication and pursuit of optimal health status. On the one hand, antibiotics are used as a means of stopping and destroying the infectious bacteria and when used for a particular period of time will lead to achievement of optimal health. For example Ampicillin is used to treat meningitis and respiratory tract infections. On the other hand, antivirals are used in the early onset of a viral infection whereby the medication prevents continued multiplication of the virus. This weakens it and enables the immune system to attack and destroy it. Such drugs include Rapivab and Relenza which are recommended antiviral drugs for influenza viruses. 

22. a. Inhibition results of the Kirby-Bauer test 

22. b. Explain for the most appropriate drug for him 

The most appropriate medication that will help treat the truck driver is Ethambutol since all the rest will not effectively destroy the M. TB bacteria as they are either resistant or intermediate. Isoniazid may also help as it is slightly above the susceptibility baseline of 22 mm. 

2 3. Venn diagram comparing and contrasting antibiotics and antiseptics