Antibiotic-resistant bacteria affecting animal life, environment, expert says

NIRMAL YESODA

The discovery of antibiotic has literally revolutionized human lives, and these medicines are helping us to save ourselves from various bacteria infection. But due to overuse and misuse, several bacteria have evolved themselves as superbugs, and they are now resistant to antibiotics.

And now, a new study conducted by Michelle Power, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University has suggested that the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is negatively affecting wildlife as a whole.

Power made this revelation in an article written on the website The Conversation. In his article, Power revealed that several wildlife species including sea lions, penguins, flying foxes and kangaroos are facing the negative effects of bacteria that possess antibiotic-resistance.

The expert also added that this bacteria has reached the bodies of animals through human wastewaters. Power made it clear that medical and industrial wastes that are being dumped in the environment on a daily basis have worsened the whole scenario.

“My research is revealing the enormous breadth of wildlife species with superbugs in their gut bacterial communities. An animal with antibiotic-resistant bacteria may be harder to treat with antibiotics if it’s injured or sick and ends up in care,” wrote Power.