High schoolers were recently treated to a scientific masterclass on the dangers of antibiotic resistance on pets and people.
Hosting the class at the University of Melbourne’s Werribee campus on Friday, August 15, Dr Laura Hardefeldt explained how the misuse of antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals can create ‘superbugs’.
Dr Hardefeldt said superbugs, understood as bacteria that are resistant to three or more drug groups, are most prevalent in spaces where antibiotics are used most.
“It is a particular problem where antibiotics are used a lot like hospitals and vet practices,” she said.
“Most of the bacteria that causes diseases does so in the same species they occur in, but there are a few that can jump across [species] such as salmonella.
“In terms of the [highest] risk, it is pets– because people have close contacts with their pets so there is a lot of opportunity for exposure to pets that are treated with antibiotics.”
She said it is important that antibiotics are used with caution.
“Just having that awareness that antibiotics are not this, not this innocuous thing that we can just take when we have a cold.
“Having your vaccinations and washing your hands is a really good way of eliminating resistant bacteria if you are exposed to them.”
