Not surprisingly, TB is more likely to crop up in nursing homes, among the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. The problem here, Schreiber said, is the overuse or misuse of antibiotics to treat such common childhood maladies as ear infections. More importantly, however, is the fear that the over-prescribing of antibiotics for children is causing certain strains of bacteria to become tougher and more drug resistant. Another concern, in Schreiber's opinion, is the growing trend for farmers to mix antibiotics with animals' feed to protect them from certain infections. Another common practice that leads to more drug-resistant strains of bacteria, health officials say, is peoples' premature discontinuation of their antibiotic regimen.
Patients begin taking a prescription drug but stop as soon as they begin to feel better.
The bottom line is that tough bacteria get stronger and this time the disease is harder to treat, officials warn. Staff Writers John Kametz and Erika J. Pribanic-Smith contributed to this story.