Antimicrobial Resistance: A Silent Threat

Have you ever wondered what the world without antibiotics will look like? A world where a mere infection can cause death. It seems scary, right? That is why antimicrobials are necessary. They fight against the microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Antimicrobials are also known as magic bullets as they either suppress the growth of these microorganisms or kill them, helping us by lowering the risk of infection spread. Antimicrobials are not only used in healthcare but are also extensively used in animal husbandry and agriculture. However, these microorganisms are increasingly becoming resistant to antimicrobials.

Let’s discuss in detail what antimicrobial resistance is.

What is antimicrobial resistance?

When discussing antimicrobial resistance, the first question that arises is, “What is antimicrobial resistance?” Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microbes like bacteria, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antimicrobials like antifungals, antibiotics, antivirals, etc. This means antibiotics are losing effectiveness, leading to an increased risk of disease spread, higher fatality rate, and mortality. These drug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and viruses are also known as superbugs.

Why are antibiotics becoming ineffective?

The causes of drug-resistant infections include:

Over or misuse:

One of the pivotal drivers of antimicrobial resistance is over and misuse of antibiotics. Most of the time, doctors prescribe antibiotics unnecessarily.

Not completing the course:

It is crucial to complete the antibiotics course even if your symptoms are cured. If you stop taking antibiotics midway, it will only allow bacteria to develop resistance and grow.

Use of antimicrobials in animals:

The widespread use of antimicrobials in livestock also causes the bacteria to strive and develop resistance. The drug-resistant microbes are likely to transfer their resistance to other pathogens that cause infections.

Inadequate infection prevention and control practices:

Lack of knowledge about infection control practices exacerbates AMR. Lack of clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and improper disposal of antimicrobial residues from factories and hospitals creates a breeding environment for drug-resistant microbes.

Global threat

AMR has been declared one of the top 10 global public health threats by the World Health Organization. In 2019, almost 1.27 million deaths were reported due to the infections caused by these superbugs, and according to the World Health Organization, nearly 5 million deaths have been reported globally. And it is estimated that by 2050, 39 million people will die due to drug-resistant infections. Antimicrobial resistance is often referred to as the “Invisible pandemic” as superbugs are silently proliferating and causing deaths.
AMR not only causes fatal infections in humans and animals but also threatens the delicate balance of our ecosystems globally.

How to prevent antibiotic resistance?

The spread of AMR has brought all the sectors together, known as the One Health approach. The “One Health approach” has unified all the sectors of human, animal, and environmental health, also known as the multisectoral approach.
Some crucial strategies should be implemented.

Healthcare practitioners should refrain from prescribing antimicrobials for minor conditions.
Proper water sanitation and hygiene practices should be implemented in healthcare systems.
The runoff of disposals of hospitals and pharmaceutical companies should be controlled properly.
Individuals must complete their course of antibiotics as prescribed by doctors.
The government should run educational campaigns about the global antimicrobial resistance threat on a national level.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial resistance is a looming threat that is silently wreaking havoc in our lives. Currently, there are no treatments available for the infections caused by superbugs. We can only take proactive steps to protect ourselves and combat this growing global threat.