Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance - An Informative Timeline
Antimicrobial Resistance Timeline: An Overview of the Evolution and Impact of Antibiotic Resistance
Welcome to a journey through the history of antibiotics and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance! This adventure will take you from ancient times to modern days, exploring the discovery, use, and challenges associated with one of humanity's greatest achievements.
Ancient Civilizations & Natural Remedies (2500 BC)
Humans have been using medicines for millennia to treat various ailments, primarily relying on herbs and natural substances with healing properties. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese developed sophisticated medical systems based on plant-based remedies.
Antibiosis Discovered (1877)
The biological process of antibiosis was first observed by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. This marked a significant step in understanding that one organism can inhibit the growth of another, paving the way for the discovery of antibiotics.
Search for Chemicals with Antibiotic Properties (1900)
German physician and scientist Paul Ehrlich began a systematic search for a chemical agent that selectively kills bacteria without affecting humans. His search culminated in 1907 with the synthesis of arsphenamine, an arsenic-containing organic molecule effective against the causative agent of syphilis.
Antibiotics in Human Treatment (1910)
Paul Ehrlich developed the first antimicrobial treatment for humans - Salvarsan - which had severe side effects due to its arsenic content.
Penicillin Discovered (1928)
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first modern antibiotic, by observing the inhibition of bacterial growth in Petri dishes by substances produced by the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum.
Resistance Emerges (1928)
Bacteria quickly began to develop resistance to the antimicrobial Salvarsen.
Sulphonamides Discovered (1930)
Sulphonamides, a group of synthetic antibacterial medicines, were discovered, marking the first truly effective, broad-spectrum antimicrobials used for treating infection in humans and animals.
Antibiotics in Animal Medicine (1933)
Antibiotics were initially used only to treat sick animals, but it was later discovered that they could be used to promote growth.
More Resistance Appears (1933)
Certain bacteria became resistant to sulphonamides.
Soil Bacteria Testing (1940)
Researchers began testing soil bacteria for antibiotic properties, leading to the discovery of naturally occurring antimicrobials like streptomycin and cephalosporins. This research eventually led to the discovery of many major antibiotic families we know today.
Penicillin's Approval for Human Use (1943)
The Allied Armed Forces had access to penicillin after US scientists optimized its production via fermentation.
Streptomycin Discovered (1943)
Streptomycin, the first antibiotic successful against tuberculosis, was discovered in the same year.
Golden Age of Antibiotics (1944)
The discovery of natural product antibiotics peaked in the mid-1950s, resulting in the rapid and relatively easy discovery of half of the antibiotics commonly used today.
Penicillin Resistance Identified (1944)
Penicillin resistance was identified in the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, posing a significant challenge in treating infections.
Antibiotics as Animal Feed Additives (1948)
Sulfaquinoxaline became the first antibiotic to be routinely administered in poultry feed to prevent disease.
Antibiotics Used for Animal Growth and Plant Protection (1950)
Antibiotics were first used as growth promoters in animal feed and as horticultural sprays to combat disease in fruit trees.
Antibiotic Use Increases in Global Food Production (1960s)
Antibiotics were widely used to promote growth in farm animals, causing concerns about antibiotic resistance. Some countries began restricting veterinary prescription of medically important antibiotics.
Methicillin Resistance (1961)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria were identified, posing a significant challenge due to their resistance to all antibiotics in the penicillin class.
Vancomycin Resistance (1986)
Vancomycin-resistant gram-positive bacteria were discovered, capable of becoming resistant to all antibiotics.
Lipopeptides Discovered (1987)
Lipopeptides, the last class of clinically used antibiotics, were discovered.
Resistance to Different Antibiotics (1990)
Resistance to common antibiotic drugs increased, making it increasingly difficult to treat common infections.
Global AMR Emergency Declared (2015)
Antimicrobial resistance was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization, leading to the adoption of a global action plan on AMR.
In our next installment, we'll delve deeper into the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance and the efforts being made to address this pressing issue. Stay tuned!
In the ongoing challenge against antimicrobial resistance, the medical-conditions associated with this issue necessitate innovative solutions in the realm of science and health-and-wellness. As we move forward, researchers must focus on developing effective treatments for resistant bacteria, particularly those like the vancomycin-resistant gram-positive bacteria discovered in 1986. Simultaneously, it is crucial to address the misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human and animal health, a practice which has contributed significantly to the growing medical-conditions caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
