R.I.P Stanley Falkow, Ph.D
Dr. Falkow was among the pioneers of genetic engineering. He studied bacteria and found that many had a separate mini chromosomes - called plasmids - that not only carried antibiotic resistance, but that also could move into another cell, thus spreading resistance.
Back in the 70s he alerted on the over use of antibiotics in livestock just to enhance growth - saving farmers feed and housing costs by shipping them early to market. Also, by treating stress after shipping in crowded mode of transportation.
He was semi vindicated when a patient undergoing Sigmoidoscopy was infected, perhaps died, I don't remember, when the tool used carried antibiotic resistant bacteria.
He claimed that unnecessary use of antibiotics with livestock and humans contributed to proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Indeed. today we are running out of effective antibiotics.
I don't know how wide such overuse still happens today. I think that the idea has finally been accepted.
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