Writer: Joannabelle Freya Widjaja
Editor: Isabella Io
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria to previously effective antibiotics. The most significant factor contributing to this problem is the praise given to antibiotics and the ease at which they are misused. It is also attributed to the scant economic justification and severe regulatory framework for developing new medicines. The latter infection can be transmitted to other individuals, causing longer and more complicated illnesses that demand stronger and more expensive medicines which, in turn, increase the chances of death. Strategies to enhance antibiotic stewardship, training of health workers and the public/consumers, and drug development for new antibiotics are necessary. [1][4]
The Benefits and Risks of Antibiotics
Antibiotics have significantly improved medicine and surgery by preventing or treating infections in patients with chemotherapy, chronic diseases, and complex surgeries. They have also extended life spans by changing bacterial infection outcomes, with the average US life span now nearly 80 years. They also reduce morbidity and mortality in developing countries. [1]
Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like colds, influenza, sore throats, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. The widespread use of these drugs can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance, which develops when harmful bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of "superbugs," strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to various types of antibiotics.
The overuse of antibiotics has been a concern since 1945, with epidemiological studies showing a direct relationship between antibiotic consumption and the emergence and dissemination of resistant bacteria strains. Resistance can occur spontaneously through mutation or inheritance from relatives or non-relatives on mobile genetic elements like plasmids. Antibiotics remove drug-sensitive competitors, leaving resistant bacteria behind to reproduce due to natural selection. [1][2][4]
Tips and Tricks: Antibiotic Prevention
Main preventive measures include frequent hand-washing, early detection of symptoms of infection, and avoidance of antibiotic intake except when medically prescribed. Awareness about consulting health providers regarding the need to use antibiotics, their side effects, and length of administration is a must. No one should share his or her antibiotics or use leftover antibiotics because misuse leads to resistance. Prevention, such as food safety with proper methods of cleaning, separation, cooking, and chilling, along with immunizations, can also prevent infections that may require antibiotics. [4]
Healthcare professionals also have an essential role in the judicious prescribing of antibiotics-following the recommended practices and doses where guidelines exist educating the patient on misuse risks and the risks of resistance. Examples include hygiene practices before and after patient care, vaccination, and participation in antibiotic stewardship. Moreover, new vaccines, such as PCV13, have tended to work well with the reservoir of resistant infections; hence, there is a very dire need for more vaccination efforts because of proactive health practices on antibiotic resistance. [1][4]
Sources & Works Cited
[1] National Library of Medicine
[2] National Health Service
[3] Food and Drug Administration
[4] National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
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