Multi-Drug-Resistant Infections (broadcast Friday, October 19th, 2007)

Drug-resistant superbugs are on the rise. In a study published this week, researchers reported that the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is at least twice what they had previously believed. Other doctors have identified a strain of bacteria responsible for the common ear infection that is anything but common -- it's resistant to all antibiotics approved for use in children. The discovery was made after a group of children in Rochester, NY did not respond to standard antibiotics being used to treat their ear infections. After testing samples taken from the childrens' ears, researchers identified the drug-resistant superbug and were able to successfully treat it by using antibiotics that have not been FDA approved for use in children. The ear infection research is reported this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Multi-drug resistant pathogens have been on the rise in recent years, largely due to the overuse of antibiotics, say experts. In this segment, Ira talks with two doctors about the problem of antibiotic resistance, and what might be done to combat the rise of drug-resistant pathogens. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.