Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health issue that arises when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines. This resistance makes bacterial infections harder to treat, leading to severe health consequences.
Antibiotic resistance can be caused by overuse and misuse of antibiotics, such as taking antibiotics for viral infections or not completing the prescribed course. It can also be spread through poor infection control in hospitals, inadequate sanitary conditions, and the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture.
When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist, and may spread to others. This can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.
Preventing antibiotic resistance involves using antibiotics only when prescribed by a certified healthcare professional, never sharing or using leftover antibiotics, and ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date. Healthcare professionals should follow infection prevention and control practices diligently.
The overuse of antibiotics in both healthcare settings and agriculture leads to an increased selection pressure on bacteria, promoting the development and spread of resistant strains.