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Specific data was then tabulated to determine the increase of bacteria resistant to specific, common types of antibiotics, like penicillin and erythromycin.

However, to determine the most effective method of coping with disease resistance, the experiment then reviewed the methods of a study in Finland that examined the effects of consciously cutting back on erythromycin prescriptions, which seemed to result in a precipitous drop in disease resistant-bacteria, versus previous studies of antibiotic rotation, which a study of a hospital population indicated was fairly ineffectual.

Results:

The number of new antibiotics developed by researchers has slowed dramatically since the 1960s. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become more prevalent. Antibiotic 'rationing' seems to be the most effective way in the short run to contain the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Discussion:

As fewer types of antibiotics are developed, and more individuals are prescribed and use antibiotics, the chance of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria increases. The suggested remedy for this problem is two-fold.First, over-prescription of antibiotics must be reduced. No longer should doctors respond to calls for antibiotics 'just in case' the patient or the patient's child may have a bacterial infection. Secondly, scientists must work to create new types of antibiotics and make this a focus of public research, as was the case when this class of drug was first developed.

Rotation of prescribed antibiotics has proven to be less effective than rationing. Thus, in the short run, the most effective solution is to reduce the prescription of antibiotics. This will be unpopular amongst patients who often want the doctor to 'do something' but it is necessary for the good of society.

References:

"Antibiotic-resistant bacteria." Better Health Channel. 2009. August 24, 2010.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Antibiotic_resistant_bacte

"FAQ on antibiotic resistance." Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 2005. August 24,

2010. http://www.cdc.gov/narms/faq_pages/3.htm.....