ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

Antibiotics are a very important part of human life, but because of how we misuse and overuse
them, the microbes have now become resistant. This is really bad news because it means that
infections are becoming harder and harder to treat. And it’s not just bacteria that can become
resistant, viruses and parasites can too! It is estimated that by 2050, 10 million people will die
every year from antimicrobial resistance, more than currently die from cancer.

Causes of Antimicrobial Resistance

Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant
pathogens. Lack of clean water and sanitation and inadequate infection prevention and control
promotes the spread of microbes, some of which can be resistant to antimicrobial treatment.
Through mutation and selection, bacteria can develop defense mechanisms against antibiotics.

The Effects of Antimicrobial resistance

 Treatment failure leading to chronic problems
 Increased morbidity (disability, poor outcomes) and mortality
 Adverse effects of alternative treatments (potentially less effective, possibly more toxic)
 Relapse of the infection after treatment
 Increased spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their associated community- and
healthcare-acquired infections
 Increased use of antibiotics
 Lack of availability of clinically effective antibiotics

 Longer and more complicated stays in hospital
 Excess healthcare costs
 Decreased societal productivity

How to Prevent Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance [AMR] can be prevented if you can start practicing good hygiene
habits, like washing your hands regularly and keeping your environment clean. You can also
avoid using antibiotics unnecessarily, and only taking them when prescribed by a doctor.
Lastly, it’s important to support research on antimicrobial resistance so that we can find new
ways to fight these infections. With everyone’s help, we can prevent antimicrobial resistance
from becoming a global pandemic.