Antibiotics are familiar drugs to us all, so familiar that we may take them for granted. They allow us to survive life-threatening infections, and allow us to protect the animals we farm for food. Many antibiotics have now become ineffective against common diseases, and there are few alternative treatments to replace them. In this topical popular science book, Laura Bowater, Professor of Microbiology Education and Engagement at Norwich Medical School, considers the past, present and uncertain future of antibiotics.
This book begins by looking back at how infectious diseases, such as smallpox and the plague, were able to wreak havoc on populations before the discovery of the first antibiotics. These then revolutionised the medical world. In an engaging and accessible style, Professor Bowater takes the reader through how antibiotics are made, how bacteria are able to mutate and develop resistance and she explains why there is now a lack of new antibiotic drugs coming to market.
What will a future of continued antibiotic resistance look like? How can human activities prevent the rise of 'superbugs'? Professor Bowater highlights the need for universal cooperation in order to tackle this global health challenge, which, if not addressed, could transport us back to the medical dark ages.
Industry Reviews
I would highly recommend this book as an introductory text for academics and students alike. [I]t will also act as a great introduction for the general public and journalists, given that it is highly readable with clear explanations of the more technical aspects of antimicrobial resistance.
* Microbiology Today *
"The strengths of the book are the incredible stories of antibiotic discovery by microbiologists working together with chemists, giving the reader a true appreciation of the magic that occurred with the discovery of antibiotics"
* The Lancet *
"Bowater describes the battle between public opinion and scientific fact, and the impact of public health policy on epidemiology. She also demonstrates again and again the part played by serendipity combined with astute scientific observation in early antibiotic discovery. Along the way there are interesting facts and stories and many personal anecdotes from active researchers in the field that add flair to the book." Aurora Walshe, Chemistry World, 11 February 2017
* Chemistry World *
Enter Laura Bowater, a microbiologist and science communicator who shares the newly calibrated grander view of life but calls us to task for ignoring what is happening under (or perhaps in) our noses - the continuing rise of antibiotic resistance and its implications for human health...Bowater's style throughout The Microbes Fight Back is agreeably punchy...The Microbes Fight Back is a call for change.
* Times Higher Education Review *
