Antibiotics. Double-edged sword

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Antibiotics initially worked miracles, saving millions of lives. In just decades, many of the wonder drugs are ineffective. How did it happen? This program reports on a battle for survival between humans and microbes, providing a concise history of antibiotics, as well as tracing their decline in efficacy. Their overuse and misuse is examined in medicine, agriculture, and domestic cleaning products. Special attention is given to the world's first case of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or VRSA. Among those who discuss the issue are Dr. Richard Besser, director of the Centers for Disease Control's national campaign to reduce antimicrobial resistance, and Dr. Stuart Levy, author of The Antibiotic Paradox and founder of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics.