CDC report shows growing threat posed by antibiotic resistance

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to public health that is undermining our ability to treat infectious diseases and health care-acquired infections. The report notes that the use of antibiotics is the “single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world.” Growing antibiotic resistance requires a multi-prong response, including more judicious use of antibiotics by doctors, a drastic reduction in the routine use of antibiotics in healthy livestock and more effective action by hospitals to protect patients from dangerous superbugs, according to Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. “The widespread use and abuse of antibiotics is making these critical medications less effective for treating infectious diseases,” said John Santa, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of Consumer Reports Health. “Failing to curb the unnecessary use of antibiotics will result in catastrophic consequences...