The Growing Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance: An IELTS Reading Guide
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. Governments must implement stricter regulations on antibiotic sales and agricultural use. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry needs better incentives to develop new classes of drugs, as the "pipeline" for new antibiotics has run dry due to low profit margins. Ultimately, public education remains vital; patients must understand that antibiotics are a precious resource that must be handled with care to ensure they remain effective for future generations. Questions 1–5
The consequences of antibiotic resistance are far-reaching and devastating. Infections caused by resistant bacteria are more difficult to treat, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development. The WHO estimates that at least 700,000 people die each year due to drug-resistant infections, and this number is expected to rise to 10 million by 2050. The Growing Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance: An
D. However, human medicine is not the sole culprit. The agricultural sector plays a substantial, yet often overlooked, role in the resistance crisis. Globally, a significant percentage of all antibiotics sold are used in livestock, not to treat sickness, but to promote growth and prevent infection in crowded, unsanitary conditions. This sub-therapeutic dosing creates an ideal breeding ground for resistant bacteria. These bacteria can then travel from the farm to the wider environment through water runoff or the food chain. For example, handling or consuming undercooked meat contaminated with resistant bacteria can transfer these dangerous pathogens directly to humans.
If no new treatments are found by 2050, it is estimated that 10 million people could die annually from resistant infections. Core Themes of the Passage Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance - Bacteria - Scribd According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic
Users typically need to identify which paragraph (A-F) contains specific information: Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance | PDF - Scribd
Passage 3
Economic Barriers: Pharmaceutical companies often prioritize the development of more profitable drugs for chronic conditions (like asthma or heart disease) over new antibiotics, which are relatively inexpensive and used for short durations.
