The Overworked Miracle
During the winters of 1968 and 1969 a mysterious epidemic killed over 50 babies in Middlesbrough and Manchester. The disease was common enough: gastro-enteritis. But this time the normal drugs did not work.
Antibiotics - ' Miracle Drugs' of the 40s and 50s - are in danger of losing their power. The bacteria have learned to fight back. They have become more and more resistant. The medical world agrees the new impotence is due to one thing: over-use.
Doctors prescribe antibiotics too liberally; chemists in many countries sell antibiotics without prescription; drug firms are not producing new antibiotics consistently. What can we do about it? Narrator PAUL VAUGHAN
Film editor CHRISTOPHER WOOLLEY Editor PETER GOODCHILD
Producer CHRISTOPHER RILEY