Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Study: Reducing Antibiotic Use Not Enough To Reverse Resistance

A bottle of the antibiotic doxycycline hyclate. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

A new Duke University study shows that curbing antibiotic resistance might be more complicated than we thought. 

When a cell gains resistance to antibiotics, it comes at a cost; the cell might not be able to reproduce as easily.

So in theory, these cells and their resistance should eventually die off. But according to a Duke University study, that's not what's happening.

In fact, according to scientist Allison Lopatkin, these drug-resistant cells can share their superpower (resistance) pretty easily.

“We know that these antibiotic resistance genes, that they can spread laterally between bacteria, sort of just by knocking into one another. That's one of the major ways these resistance genes have been able to spread and cause these global concerns.”

Lopatkin's work shows that bacteria are swapping genes fast enough to maintain resistance. That means some commonly used drugs may not work forever.

The experiment also shows that there are drugs that may help reverse this resistance, but current antibiotic management plans likely won't be enough.

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate