by Emergence and Spread of Antibiotic Resistance Industry
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria mutate over time and develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Whenever bacteria are exposed to antibiotic drugs, sensitive bacteria are killed, while resistant bacteria may survive and multiply. These resistant bacteria can then pass their resistance to other bacteria through genes. Repeated and inappropriate use of antibiotics has caused the selection pressure that drives this evolution and spread of drug-resistant strains. If antibiotic treatments are not directly supervised by a doctor, they may fail to cure the infection, as the bacteria have built resistance. This is troubling as antibiotics have been rendered ineffective against an increasing number of bacterial infections.
Rise of Superbugs
Some multi-drug resistant bacteria have emerged which are almost impossible to treat due to extensive resistance. These superbugs pose a particular challenge as they are resistant to all or most of the classes of Global Antibiotic Resistance currently available. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one such superbug that emerged in the 1960s and has caused serious concerns globally. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is another major superbug that has spread resistance to an entire class of antibiotics called carbapenems, which are often reserved as last-resort treatment. These superbugs are responsible for increased mortality, prolonged hospitalization and enormous additional costs to healthcare systems. Containing superbugs is a significant ongoing challenge due to limited treatment options.
Impact on Public Health
The threat of antibiotic resistance industry poses one of the gravest dangers to public health globally. If antibiotics become ineffective due to resistance, common infections once treatable and preventable could potentially become lethal again. Routine procedures such as surgery, transplant, chemotherapy and childbirth could become extremely risky without effective prophylaxis or treatment for infections. Life-threatening infections would become untreatable and affect many lives lost each year. Resistance also affects other conditions indirectly by jeopardizing treatment of infectious diseases that complicate chronic diseases or injuries. Antibiotic resistance could reverse significant medical progress and reintroduce the pre-antibiotic era. This could severely disrupt healthcare systems and the economy with higher costs to treat resistant infections.
Drivers of Resistance
Antibiotic overuse and misuse are considered major contributors to the development of resistance. Diseases such as the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to increased antibiotic prescribing, despite viruses not benefitting from them. Most of the antibiotics consumed globally are used for livestock growth rather than for human diseases. This imprudent use promotes resistance in livestock bacteria which are then transmitted to humans through the food chain. Poor infection control and hygiene also provide opportunities for resistant microbes to spread. Lack of antibiotic stewardship, self-medication without supervision and counterfeit antibiotics have enabled over- and under-dosing, fueling resistance. Addressing these drivers is crucial to stem resistance from spreading further.
Policy Interventions
Coordinated global action and policies are urgently needed to tackle antibiotic resistance. Surveillance systems must closely monitor resistance development and dissemination of resistant strains worldwide. Prudent use of antibiotics and implementation of stewardship programs are required for humans and in veterinary medicine. Preventing infections through improved hygiene, sanitation, access to clean water and vaccination are vital. New antibiotics, diagnostic tests and alternative treatments must be developed through adequately funded research. International organizations like the WHO are collaborating with member nations to curb resistance as part of the Global Action Plan. However, transforming awareness into coordinated multi-sectoral action has been challenging due to technical, social and economic barriers worldwide. Strong political commitment, surveillance and coordination can help curb the rising tide of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance poses a grave public health risk and economic burden worldwide if left unaddressed. While resistance is a natural phenomenon, overuse of antibiotics has accelerated this process. Unless urgent coordinated action is taken across multiple fronts, we may return to a pre-antibiotic era where common illnesses could kill again. It requires a collaborative global effort embracing responsible antibiotic use, improved infection control, new drug development and sustainable healthcare practices to curb the emergence and spread of resistant microbes. With awareness and political will, it is still possible to preserve the efficacy of existing antibiotics and safeguard public health against resistant infections.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
