Antibiotics are agents that kill bacteria or prevent their reproduction. They are unique in that they may treat an infection successfully, but can simultaneously promote the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. This is simply when an antibiotic that was previously effective in killing a particular bacteria can no longer do so. While resistance may develop naturally, there are various behaviours that contribute to the escalation of this problem. These behaviours include the widespread and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Therefore by the increased use of antibiotics, we make them less effective. (The Lancet Infectious, 2013).
Ideally antibiotics should be used only when they would be of benefit. However, they are over-used and misused by health professionals, patients, farmers, and vets alike. This inappropriate use has resulted in limited treatment options for many bacterial infections, thereby posing a major threat to modern healthcare services. The proposed research project is a pilot for a trial to evaluate whether antibiotic treatment is necessary in treating inflammation of the bladder (cystitis). This summer reseearch project proposes to pilot this trial in one general practice in Galway and to identify potential practical issues and weaknesses of the trial in addition to assessing attitudes to participating in a trial with one arm of non- antibiotic care.
