The increase in multi-resistance among bacteria is assuming worrying proportions. The main reason for this development is the careless use of antibiotics in medicine and animal husbandry. Worldwide, humans and animals swallow more than 200,000 tons of antibiotics every year. They are the most prescribed drugs in the world. An end to this trend is not foreseeable, because the hunger for cheap meat is unbroken and especially in poorer countries the administration of antibiotics is often the only way to save a human life.
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Multi-resistant germs - Another enemy!
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For years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been warning of a post-antibiotic era in which resistant germs mean that the simplest infections in humans can no longer be treated.
How does antibiotic resistance develop in the first place?
Bacteria multiply extremely quickly and in large numbers. If they are not completely killed by the use of antibiotics, e.g. because the drug was discontinued too early, the structure of the bacteria may change in such a way that
- antibiotics can no longer bind to them.
- proteins are formed that neutralize antibiotics.
- proteins are formed, which replace the protein inactivated by the antibiotic.
- the cell membrane changes in such a way that antibiotics can no longer penetrate.
- proteins are formed in excess, against which the antibiotic is actually supposed to act.
The learned resistance is inherited by the bacteria's offspring. Now, of course, there are different antibiotics that are used for healing depending on the resistance. However, research into new drugs has stagnated for many years, so that there are now bacteria that are immune to all available antibiotics - an infection is therefore no longer treatable.
How do multidrug-resistant germs enter our daily lives?
Multi-resistant germs are sometimes introduced into the environment in large quantities. The main sources are liquid manure and manure spreading from intensive animal husbandry and clinical as well as domestic wastewater, which are cleaned in wastewater treatment plants before being discharged into rivers, but are mostly not disinfected. Thus, in the last 10 years, there has been a significant increase in antibiotic-resistant germs in the environment, and antibiotic concentrations in wastewater and manure are so high that they can exert their biological effect.
Now, 13% of drinking water in Germany is obtained from surface waters such as rivers (bank filtrate), dams or lakes. If these germs get there, they can quickly reach many people through the central supply.
How can I protect myself from multi-resistant germs?
Testing drinking water for all viruses, bacteria and microorganisms at all times is currently virtually impossible in Germany and is also not required by law. In principle, all drinking water plants would have to be equipped with UV disinfection systems, for example, i.e. additional disinfection stages. UV disinfection is an extremely effective and at the same time environmentally friendly, chemical-free process for the safe disinfection of water. However, there is a new, further alternative to installing a small, compact waterworks yourself, at least at a central location in your own house or apartment. The Swiss company HYTECON offers the HYPRO WATER a patented and comprehensively certified product that offers the user additional protection for carefree enjoyment of drinking water. Usually installed in the kitchen on a special tap, the HYPRO WATER WATER is a combination of activated carbon filtration and downstream UVC LED disinfection. In a compact housing and with a convenient output of 3 liters/min, the HYPRO WATER WATER safely removes hidden pollutants such as heavy metals or pesticides as well as drug residues from overdosing. Of course, this also includes antibiotics. UVC LED disinfection safely inactivates dangerous germs such as bacteria and viruses. Whether bacteria are multi-resistant or not is not important, they are safely inactivated in any case.
Summary
- The increase in antibiotic resistance in bacteria is assuming threatening proportions.
- The WHO has long warned of a post-antibiotic era in which resistant germs mean that the simplest infections can no longer be treated.
- Antibiotic resistance arises from the excessive administration of the drug in intensive animal husbandry and in the treatment of humans.
- The main sources of inputs to nature are manure, slurry, and hospital wastewater.
- Public drinking water is obtained, among other things, from surface water such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, into which previously polluted wastewater is discharged.
- Multi-resistant germs can enter our drinking water supply system through the surface water detour.
- Testing drinking water permanently for all viruses, bacteria and microorganisms is not possible and not legally required in Germany.
- The HYPRO WATER is a compact drinking water treatment device that uses activated carbon filtration and UVC LED disinfection to safely treat water and protect the user from multi-resistant germs.