Antibiotic resistance - Killer threat we must confront

THE discovery of antibiotics probably changed our world more than anything other than the invention of the wheel, money, or the myriad uses we found for oil.

Antibiotics literally defied death and allowed people survive those small, niggling infections we hardly notice any more. Simple cuts once infected, often killed, as did common ailments like pneumonia or tuberculosis.

The idea of asking for a hip replacement or a new knee was almost like signing a death warrant but antibiotics helped prevent operating theatre infections and were a game changer.