Several medical procedures are dependent on antibiotics to fight infections. Procedures, such as organ transplants, joint replacements, and cancer therapy, require antibiotics. So do chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, and arthritis.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when microorganisms like bacteria and viruses develop immunity to the drugs designed to kill them. Antibiotic resistance makes infections harder to treat, sometimes even impossible to deal with. These antibiotic-resistant infections can result in more medical consultations and extended hospital stays. They may require alternative medications that cost more and are more toxic than common antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is considered a global health concern because it can affect patients at every stage of life. It can also impact several fields beyond healthcare, like the veterinary and agricultural fields. In the United States, approximately 2.8 million people are affected by antibiotic resistance every year. Of those affected, about 35,000 die because of antibiotic resistance.
The first antibiotic was penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Since that time, three penicillin-resistant germs have been identified. Penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 1942. Streptococcus pneumoniae in 1967, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 1976. To date, none of the new antibiotics being developed are expected to be effective against the most dangerous types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, are increasingly becoming antibiotic-resistant. So are foodborne illnesses and blood poisoning. Antibiotic resistance is caused by misuse and poor infection control and prevention.
There are several ways that individuals and organizations can do to prevent antibiotic resistance. Individuals are counseled only to use antibiotics when prescribed by a medical professional. Self-prescription or demanding antibiotics against the advice of a certified health professional is discouraged. Individuals should also strictly follow the instructions given by their doctors on the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics must never be shared with other individuals who have not been prescribed the use of such medicines.
For health professionals, cleanliness is the first line of defense against antibiotic resistance. For such professionals, guidelines are available for dispensing antibiotics. Health professionals should also report the occurrence of antibiotic resistance to help national and global efforts to monitor and control antibiotic resistance. A proactive way for the healthcare industry to combat antibiotic resistance is to continue developing new antibiotics as old ones become less effective.
For national policymakers, the WHO advises creating systems to monitor the occurrence of antibiotic resistance and create programs to prevent antibiotic resistance. This program should include the organized disposal of medicines.
Besides people, animals are also affected by antibiotic resistance. The veterinary community and agricultural industry are also given guidelines to prevent antibiotic resistance in animals. Antibiotic resistance in animals could impact both national and global food supplies. Those raising animals in the agriculture industry are advised by the WHO only to use antibiotics under the supervision of veterinarians. Antibiotics should only be used to combat an existing disease, never for disease prevention or to promote the growth of livestock.
Through the United Nations, the WHO has been spearheading global efforts against antibiotic resistance. The effort aims to improve awareness, strengthen surveillance, optimize the use of antibiotics, reduce the incidence of infections, and ensure adequate investments devoted to funding activities that counter antibiotic resistance.
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