Darwin at the Drugstore? Testing the Biological Fitness of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

Author(s)

Alan L. Gillen, Liberty UniversityFollow
Sarah Anderson

Publication Date

7-16-2008

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Biology

Abstract

The issue of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is growing. For example, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading human pathogen. New strains of MRSA are resistant to methicillin and numerous other antibiotics, placing the patient in significant danger. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control revealed in 2007 that the number of deaths due to MRSA exceeded that of AIDS in the United States. It is no wonder that antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant and important health care issues. The ability of bacterial pathogens to evade traditional antibiotics is faster than the drug makers’ ability to make new types of clinical drugs (Gillen, 2007).

Recommended Citation

Gillen, Alan L. and Anderson, Sarah, "Darwin at the Drugstore? Testing the Biological Fitness of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria" (2008). Faculty Publications and Presentations. 142.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/bio_chem_fac_pubs/142