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Nicole Brozyna
Mr. Newman
English 101: Rhetoric
6 October 2014
Antibiotics vs. Superbugs
Antibiotics have been a lifeline for the world of medicine for centuries. Recently,
however, studies have shown that antibiotics are starting to fail and the spread of superbugs is
becoming a serious and growing threat around the world. These superbugs are bacteria that are
resistant to antibiotics, which is causing rapid bacterial growth. The more antibiotics are used,
the less effective they will become to fight bacterial diseases. By using ethos and pathos, Susan
Brink successfully argues that the spread of superbugs is a growing threat around the world in
her 2014 National Geographic article, "Fatal Superbugs: Antibiotics Losing Effectiveness, WHO
Says."
Brink utilizes ethos to approve her credibility as a health author and the articles
contributors. She has her doctorate degree and has written numerous books and articles regarding
health and wellness. The image displayed at the top of the article (see figure 1) shows a
microscopic photo of a gonorrhea bacterial cell, which is one of many bacteria that are no longer
treatable with

Figure 1 gonorrhea bacterial cell,

Image courtesy of Science Picture co.

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antibiotics. The photo supports the credibility of the article by providing a concrete example of
scientific findings. Brinks article also explains how superbugs are becoming resistant to
antibiotics: The bacteria have acquired the ability to destroy the antibiotic in order to protect
themselves. National Geographic interviewed Stuart Levy from the Alliance for the Prudent
Use of Antibiotics for more information. The problem with frequent use of antibiotics is that [a]
bacteria may have developed resistance to five or six antibiotics, which then makes treatment
options look bleak. Bacteria can now actually grow within the pool of antibiotics because they
are no longer effective. Brinck approves her credibility by including professional remarks on the
issue from verified contributors.
Along with establishing credibility, Brink brings emotional appeal to her readers through
the tone of the article. Health is a touchy subject for many, so naturally, people tend to feel
overwhelmed when given the latest news about emerging illnesses. Brinks tone is urgent and
informational, which makes the reader genuinely concerned about the issue. Levy states that
[g]enetics is working against us, almost like a science-fiction story. Brink makes the article
both informative and urgent by explaining the problems with the rise of super-bacteria. One of
the biggest issues is misuse of antibiotics. Were continuing to use antibiotics in a bad way.
Theyre supposed to be used to combat bacteria, not viruses. For example, people are trying to
use antibiotics to cure the common cold. Antibiotics are not meant to treat common viruses, and
instead of helping with the cold, the antibiotic is simply building resistance against the disease.
Brinks tone creates a sense of panic within the reader when they are presented with such
shocking information. Another big issue is using antibiotics in the meat industry. Brink explains
that [a]bout 80 percent of antibiotics manufactured are given to beef cattle, chicken, and hogs to
help them grow better put on more weight. Unfortunately, most of these antibiotics are excreted

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by the animals and not broken down. These antibiotics then enter the environment where they
retain their ability to affect bacteria and and promote antibiotic resistance. Brink concludes the
article by stating that this crisis can be averted by minimizing our use of antibiotics. By using
antibiotics only when fighting harmful bacteria, superbugs will be destroyed.
Brink successfully uses ethos and pathos to argue that the spread of superbugs is
becoming a growing issue. Her informative and urgent tone along with detailed images supports
her argument.

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Work Cited
Brinck, Susan. "Fatal Superbugs: Antibiotics Losing Effectiveness, WHO Says."
National Geographic 1 May 2014: n. pag. National Geographic. Web. 7 Oct. 2014.