What seems missing from this HUGE discussion about "the end of antibiotics" is vaccination.
There is work in progress toward a MRSA vaccine[1,2,3], though it won't be easy. Nevertheless, the way I see it, vaccines are a strategic approach, while antibiotics are tactical.
Obviously we need to continue to pursue both, but I just think it's important to consider and even maybe refocus our efforts to deal with MRSA and other tricky fast evolving bacteria that become widespread and problematic in our communities by pushing hard for vaccine development.
There is work in progress toward a MRSA vaccine[1,2,3], though it won't be easy. Nevertheless, the way I see it, vaccines are a strategic approach, while antibiotics are tactical.
Obviously we need to continue to pursue both, but I just think it's important to consider and even maybe refocus our efforts to deal with MRSA and other tricky fast evolving bacteria that become widespread and problematic in our communities by pushing hard for vaccine development.
[1] http://www.trefis.com/stock/pfe/articles/205872/pfizers-vacc...
[2] http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/15/scientists-create...
[3] http://www.fiercevaccines.com/story/pfizer-glaxo-and-novadig...
(did you know there was a website called "fiercevaccines.com"???)