The interview shed light that MDR TB is becoming more of a problem around the world. There was a cases of people in the US coming down with it because of refugees from Thailand bringing it here to the US. This should cause some fear because it there is out break of this disease, many people could die. This disease could keep evolving and becoming more resistant to the drugs available to us. If it ever becomes resistant to everything we have, then a global pandemic could result. We should be worried because we cannot regulate the whole worlds healthcare system. MDR TB results from missed diagnosis and improper treatment. The world is also getting smaller as the traveling is made so easy. The transfer of this disease could be easily done around world.
I think that this issue has also effected other diseases. Any disease that is treated with antibiotics has a similar situation that MDR TB has. The drugs used to treat always have the chance of not having an effect because of bacteria evolving to resist the drug. I believe that treatment and management of it will be similar to that of MDR TB. Here in the US, law regarding antibiotics is more stringent. I think that they are all by prescription only. This gives the system more control over this situation. The same problem still exist though. teh US does not control the other health care systems in place around the world. In Mexico, penicillin is available as over the counter. Even "Mexican stores" here in the US sell them illegally.
Diseases such MDR TB and similar one will have to approach this problem together. It is important because if not, many lives could be at stake. As the world becomes smaller, a problem in one part of the world will effect us even here in the states.
You made a really good point when you said it has affected other diseases. I never really thought of that. They do have to be approached a certain way and if they aren't, it could put many lives at stake. It is becoming more of a problem and I think we should fear it somewhat. Very good blog!
ReplyDeleteMDR pathogens are definitely a growing concern around the world, but as life dictates it is inevitable. I think the best the US can do right now is attempt to educate the public in the homeland as well as urge world leaders to educate their people as well. Our best weapon in this war will be prevention!
ReplyDeleteYou made a good point about MDR TB evolving and how it could keep evolving and become resistant to other drugs. That kind of makes me fear it a little more because I never really thought about it becoming more resistant until we no longer know how to cure it or get it under control. I believe that we have a duty to help make other countries understand the potential risk involved with MDR TB if the right course of action is not taken. I think there should be some sort of education all around the world on what may happen and how we can prevent that from happening.
ReplyDelete