Ironically, some of the most untreatable pathogens on the planet have been bred, as it were, for virulence by the constant use of antibiotics of all sorts and the constant mixing of bacteria of different species and biotypes. These MDR bacteria are an unintended consequence of the miracles of modern medicine as practiced not only in hospitals, but also in private medical practice. Most patients have natural immunity, but those who have compromised immune systems or contaminated wounds succumb all too easily. Drugs can do nothing, so a nightmare scenario is created for those of us who are confident in the power of modern medicine. Another irony is that with the increased fears of emerging diseases, foodborne illnesses, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, hundreds of ordinary cleaning products from hand soap to dishwashing detergent have been dosed with chemical antibacterial amendments.
Resistance happens fast.
Between 1983 and 1990, not one single E. coli strain showed resistance to any of the fluoroquinoline antibiotics. Such additives prevent our cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and other livestock from getting diseases as a result of the stress and overcrowding of their modern growing conditions. Unfortunately, this use of antibiotics in livestock again stimulates the production of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If these bacteria contaminate meat sold to restaurants and consumers, they can produce anything from minor gastrointestinal distress to lethal food poisoning. Food inspection and proper handling from slaughterhouse to table help to lessen the threat for most people, but when new bacteria strike, doctors are hard-pressed to kill them.