12.6: Putting It Together- Theory of Evolution

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Let’s return to our discussion of evolving bacteria from the beginning of the chapter. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that based on current evidence, gonorrhea may soon be untreatable; there are no new treatments or vaccinations in development for this bacteria. Within the United States this remain the second most common sexually transmitted disease. Almost a third of the US cases are drug resistant. MRSA remains a growing problem in our healthcare system. Staph bacteria are the most common source of health-care related infections in the United States. Of MRSA infections, nearly 14% result in death.

Think about It

Based on this lesson you now understand that evolution is an inevitable process. Is there any hope of stopping antibiotic resistance from developing?

See Our Thoughts: Yes and no. The average person can take a number of steps to minimize selective pressures on parasites. Without these pressures, mutations are less likely to spread in the population.

Is there anything you can do?

See Our Thoughts

Take the full course of prescribed antibiotics
Don’t save or share leftover antibiotics
Don’t ask for antibiotics if your doctor does not recommend them
Practice good hygiene and get recommended vaccinations
Minimize your use of antibacterial products

To learn more about the topic, you can visit the following websites:

Contributors and Attributions

Authored by: Shelli Carter and Lumen Learning. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution