elpais.com
Antibiotic Resistance: Latin American Scientists Offer Hope Amidst Global Crisis
Antibiotic resistance caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019, prompting research into new treatments like novel synthetic antibiotics in Chile and bacteriophage therapies in Uruguay and Colombia, facing challenges in funding and regulation.
- What is the global health impact of antibiotic resistance, and what immediate actions are needed to address it?
- The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 1.27 million deaths from antibiotic resistance in 2019, with an estimated 8.22 million by 2050. This necessitates urgent development of new antibiotics, as existing treatments are losing effectiveness due to overuse and misuse. Only two truly innovative new antibiotics have been approved since 2017.
- How do the practices of antibiotic use in livestock and human populations contribute to the rise of antibiotic resistance?
- Antibiotic resistance is driven by factors such as the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock and improper human use. This has spurred research into alternative treatments, including novel synthetic antibiotics and bacteriophages—viruses that target bacteria. Limited funding hinders progress, particularly in Latin America.
- What are the long-term implications of the limited number of new antibiotics in development, and what innovative solutions are being explored in Latin America?
- Latin American initiatives like Chile's development of a new antibiotic family and Uruguay's personalized bacteriophage therapy show promise. However, securing funding remains a critical challenge, impacting the scalability and global reach of these breakthroughs. Future success hinges on fostering public-private partnerships and regulatory frameworks.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely positive and highlights the innovative efforts of Latin American scientists. While this is commendable, the emphasis on success stories might unintentionally downplay the magnitude of the global antibiotic resistance crisis and the immense challenges involved in developing new treatments. The headline, while not explicitly provided, likely contributes to this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. While terms like "very potent" and "super meticulous" are slightly subjective, they do not significantly skew the reader's perception. The overall tone is hopeful and encouraging but maintains a factual approach.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on Latin American initiatives but omits discussion of research and development efforts in other parts of the world, potentially creating a skewed perception of global progress in combating antibiotic resistance. While acknowledging limitations of scope is important, a brief mention of global trends beyond Latin America would provide more balanced context.
Gender Bias
The article features several prominent male scientists but also includes female scientists like Viviana Clavijo, who is presented as a strong leader and innovator. The coverage appears reasonably balanced in terms of gender representation and avoids perpetuating stereotypes.