The Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance! The Importance of Following Prescribed Dosages
- What is Antibiotic Resistance?
- Mechanisms of Resistance Spread
- Antibiotic Use in Livestock
- Preventive Measures Against Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics are a class of drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria. The era of antibiotics began with the discovery of penicillin by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928. Clinically introduced in the 1940s to treat serious infections, antibiotics revolutionized medicine, saving millions of lives and providing effective solutions for previously fatal infections.
However, by the 1950s, a major challenge emerged in the form of penicillin resistance due to widespread antibiotic use. This issue has become a significant obstacle to the success of antibiotic therapy.
What is Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, rendering the drugs ineffective in treating infections. The primary causes of resistance include the inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as excessive consumption without medical indications, and non-compliance with prescribed dosages or treatment durations. Improper antibiotic use creates selective pressure on bacteria, allowing resistant strains to thrive and dominate as they no longer compete with susceptible bacteria.
Mechanisms of Resistance Spread
Antibiotic resistance can spread among bacteria through various mechanisms. In similar bacterial species, resistance can be passed from one generation to the next. In different species, resistance genes can be transferred via mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids. Furthermore, resistance may naturally arise through mutations in bacterial genetic material, resulting in traits that make the bacteria immune to the effects of antibiotics.
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Improper antibiotic prescriptions significantly contribute to the development of resistance. Low-dose antibiotics that fail to eliminate bacteria can trigger genetic mutations, genetic diversification, and increased bacterial virulence. This accelerates the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to prescribe antibiotics cautiously and based on clear clinical indications.
Antibiotic Use in Livestock
Antibiotic resistance can also result from the use of antibiotics in livestock. These drugs are often administered as growth supplements and for disease prevention to improve farming efficiency. However, antibiotics given to livestock can enter the human body through the consumption of animal products such as meat, milk, or eggs.
For over 35 years, research has shown that antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock can transfer to humans, as evidenced by studies on livestock gut flora and more advanced molecular detection methods.
Preventive Measures Against Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a serious challenge in medical treatment that requires preventive actions. Key measures include avoiding the use of antibiotics without a prescription or medical advice, understanding the rationale for their use, as well as the duration and potential side effects, to prevent misuse or overuse. Additionally, following medical prescriptions precisely, avoiding sharing medications with others, and getting vaccinated can protect against infectious diseases, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics.
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References:
Kumar Jha, K., Saini, S., Raj, A., . S., & Bishnoi, H. (2023). The Antibiotic Resistance Crisis. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 11(5). https://doi.org/10.22270/ajprd.v11i5.1321.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. (2024). Antibiotic Resistance. Retrieved from https://www.nfid.org/antibiotic-resistance/.
