Is this the end for antibiotics?

Doctors have been blamed for the rise in superbugs as we become increasingly resistant to the drugs that beat them. By Chrissie Russell

The findings come amid growing fears that overuse of antibiotics could render the drugs redundant and unable to tackle serious infections like hospital bugs. Photo: Thinkstock

Antibiotic resistance is a ticking time bomb. We have fewer new antibiotics being developed at a time when 'superbugs' are becoming more common and less treatable. In yesterday's Irish Independent, we reported on a startling new study that revealed nearly half of Irish GPs were giving inappropriate prescriptions to patients - often powerful antibiotics that may not be needed.Ahead of Antibiotic Awareness day on November 22, we talk to three experts to find out why the drugs have stopped working, what problems this raises and what can be done to solve the problem.

The HSE has led many campaigns urging the public to only use antibiotics when needed.

But according to Dr Robert Cunney, consultant microbiologist at the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, up to 75pc of antibiotic usage could potentially be avoided.

He explains: "If you look at all antibiotic use, in communities, hospitals and agriculture then between two thirds and three quarters is probably unjustified.

"There's a certain complacency about antibiotics. They're seen as the drug of convenience."

The highest level of antibiotic use – around 80pc – is in the community. Recent studies by the HPSC show that in a typical Irish GP setting, antibiotic use soars by 25pc in winter compared to summer, marking a stark comparison with other EU countries like Holland where there's very little variation.

Read More: www.independent.ie