the misuse of antibiotics and its consequences.

Hello everyone. Today I’d like to talk about a serious issue in modern medicine — the misuse of antibiotics and its consequences.

In the United States, it’s common for people to take antibiotics at the first sign of a cold or minor illness — often without consulting a doctor. However, this behavior can lead to serious long-term problems. In my speech, I will talk about how antibiotics were discovered, what they are meant to be used for, and how their misuse in wealthy countries is contributing to the rise of “superbugs.”

The story of antibiotics is well known. Discovered by Alexander Fleming, penicillin — the first true antibiotic — was considered a miracle drug. Penicillin is a substance produced by the Penicillium mold to kill bacteria. After its discovery, it was quickly developed into a medicine used to treat infections. Penicillin works by preventing bacteria from forming new cell walls, ultimately killing them. Other types of antibiotics work in different ways, such as disrupting bacterial reproduction or breaking down cell walls. However, it is important to note that antibiotics only work against bacteria — they are ineffective against viral infections like the flu.

According to data from the CDC, at least 28% of all antibiotic prescriptions in the U.S. may be unnecessary. It’s important to remember that antibiotics are simply drugs — not magic cures. Overusing them gives bacteria more opportunities to evolve resistance. Evolution is the natural process where random mutations that help an organism survive are passed down through generations. When antibiotics are overused, they become a major force of selection. Bacteria that survive exposure to antibiotics may pass on their resistance, creating strains that are no longer affected by those drugs. They may develop mechanisms like producing neutralizing enzymes, strengthening their cell walls, or pumping the antibiotic out of the cell.

The result? Superbugs — bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics. If someone becomes infected with a superbug, treatment options become extremely limited. In many cases, we must rely on the patient’s immune system and luck to recover, because we no longer have effective medicines. And luck is not something we should depend on in healthcare.

To slow down the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, we must reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Wealthy countries in particular should lead the way by improving prescription practices and reducing over-the-counter use. Unused or surplus antibiotics can also be donated to developing countries where access to essential medicines is still limited.

In conclusion, I believe that in today’s world, responsible antibiotic use is more important than ever. Thank you for listening.