Warning issued on over-use of antibiotics

AN increasing number of potentially deadly illnesses can no longer be treated by antibiotics, due to over-use.

Once so-called wonder drugs are now not as affective against some strains of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, pneumonia and meningitis.

Up to three years ago, Ireland was one of only three countries in the EU where the use of antibiotics was increasing, despite warnings from health exerts. Since then it has dropped slightly but it is still rated as being too high.