Strong enemies

Re “Deadly bacteria defy antibiotics,” Feb. 17

The Times article about drug-resistant bacteria can’t be written without an explanation of how these strains of bacteria have become so strong.

One theory is that our society overuses antibiotics, thus encouraging bacteria to grow more resistant. Some doctors overprescribe the medication to their patients. Animals raised in confined feedlots are routinely pumped up with antibiotics as a precaution against illness. Antibacterial soaps are rinsing into our environment and creating super-strains of bacteria that our arsenal of medication can’t treat.

This is a critical element of the issue that The Times failed to mention to readers. Readers should demand legislation that controls the overuse of antibiotics.

Ferris Kawar

Venice