For many decades we have counted on antibiotics to help us fight off infectious disease. They have saved millions of lives. Scientists are now worried that their effectiveness has been badly compromised because of natural bacterial resistance as well as their overuse with both humans and livestock.
Two million people in the United States are infected each year with bacteria that are immune to antibiotic treatment. 23,000 of these patients die.
It is now more important than ever to use antibiotics only in cases where they are absolutely needed.
