Antimicrobial resistance
The
capacity of microorganisms to grow despite being exposed to antimicrobial
agents is known as antimicrobial resistance. As a consequence of this, the
microorganisms remain in the body and spread infections to other people. A
variety of biological and social factors bring on antimicrobial resistance.
Antimicrobial-resistant
microorganisms are sometimes referred to as "superbugs." As a result,
the disease remains in the body and increases the likelihood that it will spread
to others.
Antimicrobial
resistance is primarily brought on by an increase in the use of antibiotics.
Few bacteria develop resistance as antibiotic use rises. They have the
opportunity to flourish and multiply as a result, making the person more susceptible
to infections.
Also read: Kinematics
Antimicrobial
resistance can also be caused by several other factors. These include, but are
not limited to, the following:
Biological
Factors Some biological factors that contribute to antimicrobial resistance
include:
Selective
Pressure When antimicrobial agents are present, microbes with antimicrobial
resistance genes either die or survive. These will multiply and take over the
entire microbial population.
Mutation
Every few hours, microbes divide. They adapt to their new surroundings and
undergo rapid evolution. Some of the microbes undergo mutations during
division, some of which render them immune to antibiotics.
Gene
Transfer Bacteria that have DNA that is resistant to antibiotics may transfer
their genes to bacteria that are not resistant.
Social
Factors The way people use antibiotics is one factor that contributes to the
development of antimicrobial resistance. The following are some social causes:
Inappropriate
Use When a person does not finish taking the medication, some bacteria develop
resistance and stop responding to it. Additionally, the microbes develop
resistance if the drugs are taken for infections that cannot be treated.
Use
in Agriculture Food crops that are exposed to fertilizers or contaminated water
contains drug-resistant bacteria. As a result, humans contract animal diseases.
Hospital
Use Serious patients require higher doses of antimicrobials. The resistant
microbes are spread by this.
Antibiotic Resistance vs. Antimicrobial Resistance:
What's the Difference?
Antibiotic-resistant
bacteria can resist antibiotics. On the other hand, antimicrobial resistance
occurs when a microorganism resists a drug designed to kill it.
Examples
of Antimicrobial Resistance Tuberculosis (TB) was a significant threat before
antibiotics were developed. Only recently have drug-resistant strains of
tuberculosis emerged. Standard antibiotic treatments do not work for these
kinds of diseases. Treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis is brutal.
Management errors can be fatal.
Gonorrhea
is a bacterial infection that spreads sexually. Cases of drug-resistant
gonorrhea have emerged recently.
Escherichia
coli These bacteria cause infections of the urinary tract and foodborne
diseases. E. coli cases of antibiotic resistance are rapidly rising.
Malaria
In many parts of the world, malaria parasites that are resistant to these
antimalarial drugs have evolved into drug-resistant parasites. However, to
circumvent the drawbacks of antibiotics, researchers have come up with a few
other alternatives. Examples include making viruses that can eat bacteria,
making vaccines for diseases, using probiotics to get the gut microbes back,
and so on.
Antimicrobial
Resistance: A Global Concern New resistance mechanisms are spreading globally,
putting our ability to treat infectious diseases in jeopardy. Death and
prolonged illness have resulted from this. Due to a lack of effective
antimicrobials, medical procedures like organ transplants and chemotherapy have
become extremely risky. Health deteriorates as a result of antimicrobial
resistance, necessitating more intensive care.
It
is a prevalent issue caused by several correlated factors. To combat
antimicrobial resistance, national action plans are necessary. It is required
to develop vaccines and medicines against microbes.
The
countries are also receiving technical assistance from the World Health
Organization to create national plans to combat antimicrobial resistance. It is
working with FAO and OIE to provide the most effective methods for avoiding
antimicrobial resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What
exactly is resistance to antimicrobials?
The
capacity of microorganisms to prevent an antibiotic from working against them
is known as antimicrobial resistance.
2. What
distinguishes antibiotic resistance from antimicrobial resistance?
Resistance
to drugs that treat infections caused by microbes like viruses, fungi, and so
on is known as antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic resistance, on the other
hand, occurs when bacteria change in a way that makes antibiotics less
effective.
3. What
function do antibiotics play?
Through
sanitation, disinfection, and other methods, antimicrobials are utilized to
inhibit the growth of microbes. The Environmental Protection Agency of the
United States has proposed these.
4. How
do they function with the antibiotic?
The
antimicrobials disrupt and halt the growth of microorganisms at the cellular
level. The microbes' growth is stifled and their habitat is rendered
uninhabitable by these. As a result, they prevent contamination of everyday
goods like toys, textiles, and equipment.
5. Why
is resistance to antimicrobials a global concern?
The
treatment of severe infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other
microorganisms is threatened by antimicrobial resistance, which prevents microorganisms
from being destroyed. As a result, it poses a significant threat to global
public health.