Antibiotic Resistant MicroorganismsShould we be concerned?

The Story of A. baumanii, A.K.A., IRAQIBACTER, and other multi-drug resistant

bacteria.

On the Trail of a Killer Microbe

Before there were antibiotics, war was often associated with disease epidemics. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0303/

video-extr-q-350-04.html

Open “Killer Microbe T-F”

Answer each statement as true or false. Do this in BLUE.

How do bacteria reproduce?

Which would you rather be given: (a) $10 a day for one month; or (b) one penny the first day of a month, double that

amount on the second day, double that amount on the third day, and so on for the whole month.

Use the chart to calculate how much money you would have at the end of the month for each option. Which option gives you more $$$?

Killer Microbe - Video

Follow the link on my website to access the PBS website.

After watching the video, find a partner and correct your response sheet, this time in GREEN.

With your partner, read “Acinetobacter baumanii, Iraqibacter. Answer the questions 3 and 4.

Map of A. baumanii infections

Development of Drug- Resistance

Unlike human beings who only pass genes from parent to offspring, bacteria have found several different ways to pass along their genes.

In recent years, scientists have learned that not only do mutations give bacteria their resistance to drugs, but resistance genes can be passed from one species of bacteria to a completely different species in a process called conjugation.

Bacterial

Animation showing the acquisition of bacterial resistance in S. pneumoniae, the most common cause of serious bacterial infection in the US . http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/survival/clock

/

Watch the animation on bacterial conjugation. http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/bacterial-

conjugation

Reading

Read “Antibiotic Resistance” Answer question 5.

Antibiotic-Resistant Staph

“Arms Race With a Superbug” Timeline Answer questions 6 and 7

Tuberculosis

We will watch the video, “Why Does Evolution Matter Now” http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library/11/2/e

_s_6.html

Answer questions 8, 9, and 10.

Public Health Alert

You and your partner will create a public health pamphlet or advertising slogan and campaign poster to alert the public about the potential problems caused by the overuse of antibiotics. Explain that antibiotic resistance is often a result of

overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Include how hospitals and clinics play a role in creating

antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria Include one example organism and the preventative

measures that people can follow to avoid infection.