E. Coli The Superbug
Quite often, when we hear the term ‘super,’ we think of superheroes, some brave stranger saving the day, carrying us away from any distress or danger. Though this word usually connotes grandeur and positivity, you must note that this may not always be the case, sometimes it can mean just the opposite. When paired with the word ‘bug’ super becomes a word that you would rather not hear or even think about; it becomes scary in fact, for me it signifies the presence of other not-so-nice words, like containment and epidemic! I know it is hard for us to understand the concept of modern-day medicine is unable to help or cure us when we are ill; there are, after all a myriad of drugs that are available to us. In this century when there are so many scientific and technological advances, we tend to believe that anything can be cured or at least helped in some way. But sometimes, this just isn’t the case, sometimes there are strains of viruses that are so resistant to our modern-day medicine, we could as well be back in the stone ages. The Escherichia coli superbug, better known as the E. Coli superbug is one such affliction that would cause us to question our advances. This antibiotic-resistant strain can be very life-threatening, decreasing the chances of survival in its host. As you may be aware, urinary tract infections are most likely caused by E. Coli, it may infect any of the following parts or the urinary system singularly or it may even attack all of them at once; these parts include the kidneys, bladder, ureters and the urethra. The effects of this can be seen if there is a need for regular urination or even burning sensations when passing water, all of which should be treated with immediate effect. Normally this type of infection is easy to treat with doctors usually prescribing antibiotics. However, this is not the case when you are infected with the resilient strain of the bug, put quite simply, the antibiotics will not work; not even the most powerful type of antibiotics will increase your chances of survival, knowing this fact alone is quite frightening. With no cure, researchers are tasked with the responsibility of creating one. But with all things, this will take time, before you can create a cure, you must study it, this is time-consuming, even if scientists work around the clock; so what happens in the meantime? I would put my money on containment, it sounds harsh, I know, but it is the safest way to ensure that the virus doesn’t spread. The last thing that anyone would want is for there to be a pervasive outbreak of an illness that has no cure. It seems that this new strain of E. Coli has evolved, or mutated to the point where its resistance cannot be challenged, that is, for the moment. If it is allowed to spread it threatens the survival of us all!