ATCC – the largest cell bank in the world: exclusive distribution by IMBH in Israel
In these days, the valorous soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces are synonymous with courage as they defend their nation in the Gaza Strip. However, amidst the chaos of war, a silent and pervasive threat emerges. Returning soldiers often bring back more than just battle scars; they increasingly face infections, diseases, and resistant bacteria and fungi. This invisible enemy, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is as formidable as any encountered on the battlefield.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, evolve to withstand the effects of medications. This renders standard treatments ineffective, allowing infections to persist and increasing the risk of their spread to others. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants drive this resistance. The consequences are severe: surgeries become more dangerous, common infections turn lethal, and the medical advances we’ve relied on for decades are undermined.
The Rise of Superbugs
At the heart of the antimicrobial resistance issue is the emergence of ‘superbugs.’ These are strains of bacteria that have become resistant to most commonly used antibiotics. Overprescription of antibiotics and their use in non-human applications like agriculture spur the development of superbugs, which are a direct result of antibacterial resistance. These superbugs do not respond to conventional treatments, leading to longer and often more severe infections.
How Antibiotics Work
Antibiotics are designed to kill or inhibit bacteria, helping to cure infections in humans, animals, and sometimes plants. They work by targeting the bacterial structures or mechanisms essential for their survival and multiplication. However, when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics inappropriately or excessively, they adapt and develop mechanisms to resist them. This can happen through mutations or by acquiring resistance genes from other bacteria – a testament to their ability to evolve swiftly.
The Role of ATCC in Combatting AMR
The American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) plays a crucial role in fighting antimicrobial resistance. As a leading developer and supplier, ATCC authenticates cells and microorganisms for research and development. Scientists and researchers rely on ATCC for the necessary tools to study and understand bacteria, including resistant strains. Their extensive catalog features a diverse collection of microbial strains. These strains are vital for antimicrobial development and testing, which aids in understanding resistance mechanisms and developing new treatments.
Antimicrobial resistance is an escalating global crisis that directly impacts the health and safety of individuals worldwide. Researchers must understand the mechanisms of resistance, the peril of superbugs, and how antibiotics work to lay the groundwork for combating this threat. Organizations like ATCC lead this battle by providing vital resources for scientific progress. Moreover, as the world grapples with the implications of AMR, sustained effort, innovation, and global cooperation are necessary. Only through these means can we hope to protect future generations from this invisible enemy.
Click to see our collection of Multidrug-resistant and Antimicrobial Testing Reference Materials.