Antimicrobial Resistance Quotes

Sometimes bacteria learn how to live and prosper in antimicrobial environments, such as the cleaning solutions in hospitals. As one journal article put it, “Contamination, mainly by Gram-negative bacteria, was found in 10 freshly prepared solutions and in 21 of 22 at discard.”15​➔​ Sometimes, they even learn to use the antibiotics for food.

higher antimicrobial loads will result in a lower total pathogenic load but also a lower involvement of the immune system and therefore less immunity in the long run (as indeed has been empirically demonstrated in a number of experiments summarised in a sweeping review by Benoun (2016)). Thus, while rapid and aggressive antimicrobial treatment is sometimes appropriate, the long-term absence of ensuing CD4+ immunity is its cost.

For this plant to act as a potent antimicrobial, it must be prepared as a tincture of the fresh plant or the fresh juice must be used.

Three Ways to Eradicate SIBO Three main methods are used to eradicate SIBO: taking prescription antibiotics, natural antimicrobials, and the elemental diet. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each of these treatment methods. Eradication Option #1: Prescription antibiotics. Rifaximin is the antibiotic most commonly recommended for SIBO. Xifaxan is a brand name of Rifaximin that is commonly prescribed. While I’m not a big fan of antibiotics, Rifaximin is different than most other antibiotics. First, it is a nonabsorbable antibiotic whose activity is localized to the small intestine due to its minimal systemic absorption. Thus, unlike most other antibiotics, Rifaximin doesn’t go through the bloodstream, but only acts in the small intestine and won’t harm the bacteria of the large intestine. Evidence shows that Rifaximin might actually increase good bacteria (e.g., bifidobacteria) in the large intestine.[4] In addition, bacterial resistance isn’t too common when using Rifaximin. However, some people with SIBO will respond to Rifaximin, and they will need to consider either the elemental diet or herbal antimicrobials. Also, if someone has high methane levels, Rifaximin alone usually won’t successfully eradicate SIBO, which is why most medical doctors will recommend an additional antibiotic, such as metronidazole or neomycin.

We are already starting to see signs of a post-antibiotic era, with the emergence of infections that are untreatable by all classes of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance is an invisible pandemic.

The essential oils thyme, mint, cinnamon, salvia, clove, and tea tree oil all have antimicrobial properties. One review study discussed how essential oils could potentially combat bacterial antibiotic resistance.[19] Another study compared the effects of tea tree oil versus triclosan, and found that regarding the antimicrobial efficacy, there was no difference between the soap with triclosan and the soap with the tea tree oil.

But while antimicrobial development stagnates, microorganisms have evolved extensive resistance. As a result, the world stands poised to enter a post-antibiotic era.