The keyword of this week's news is infection. Antibiotic resistance is in the news as "superbugs" (link) and via the U.S. National Microbiome Initiative (link).
It's great there's movement to better recognize the simple mechanics of antibiotic danger. Using broad spectrum medicines "clears the table" for a wholly open playground: where any opportunistic or resistant organisms can reproduce & thrive.
The infecting Pigs in this headline are the drug companies. Our system and their business models do not allow patents and exclusive licensing of naturally-occurring antibacterial agents. Phage biology has been ignored far too long. The upcoming deaths from antibacterial resistance we bring piggishly upon ourselves.
It's great there's movement to better recognize the simple mechanics of antibiotic danger. Using broad spectrum medicines "clears the table" for a wholly open playground: where any opportunistic or resistant organisms can reproduce & thrive.
The infecting Pigs in this headline are the drug companies. Our system and their business models do not allow patents and exclusive licensing of naturally-occurring antibacterial agents. Phage biology has been ignored far too long. The upcoming deaths from antibacterial resistance we bring piggishly upon ourselves.
