Antibiotic resistance, a public health threat
Antibiotics are medications used to prevent and treat bacterial infections in people, animals, and plants. When used correctly, they can save lives, but there is a growing problem of antibiotic resistance. This resistance occurs when bacteria mutate in response to the use of these drugs, resulting in bacteria called drug-resistant bacteria. This happens for several reasons: self-medication, overuse, failure to complete the full course of treatment, and/or failure to adhere to the prescribed schedule. In addition, some cleaning products, such as antibacterial soaps and certain toothpastes, can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
According to the World Health Organization, one of the greatest threats to human health, animal health, and agriculture is antibiotic resistance, as the number of infections such as pneumonia, gonorrhea, candidiasis, and tuberculosis is increasing, and their treatment is becoming more difficult due to the loss of effectiveness of these drugs. Obviously, it is the bacteria that become resistant to antibiotics, not humans, animals, or plants. These drug-resistant bacteria can cause infections that are more difficult to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon; however, the misuse of these drugs is accelerating this resistance process, which can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or country of residence, and also has an impact by increasing medical costs, prolonging hospital stays, and increasing mortality.
The appropriate use of medicines is the responsibility of healthcare systems, physicians, and patients. There is an urgent need to change how antibiotics are prescribed and used. Even if new drugs are developed, if current practices are not modified, antibiotic resistance will continue to pose a serious threat. Behavioral changes must also include measures aimed at reducing the spread of infections, such as vaccination, handwashing, safe sex practices, and good food hygiene.
In countries lacking standardized treatment guidelines, healthcare and veterinary professionals tend to prescribe antibiotics, and the general population tends to overuse them. The ability to obtain antibiotics without a prescription for human or veterinary use will exacerbate the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. Without urgent action, the world is headed for a post-antibiotic era in which many common infections and minor injuries will once again become life-threatening.
From November 13 to 19, 2017, World Antibiotic Awareness Week was celebrated under the slogan "Seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking antibiotics." If we want to help reduce the threat of antibiotic resistance, we must use this medicine responsibly.
- Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a certified healthcare professional.
- Always follow the instructions of healthcare professionals regarding the use of antibiotics.
- Do not use them for viruses such as colds or the flu; antibiotics do not work on viruses.
- Do not save the antibiotics for later (respect the schedule in which you should take them)
- Do not use someone else's recipe.
- Do not use antibiotics that have been left over from others.
- Avoid infections by washing your hands frequently, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, using protection during sexual relations, and keeping vaccinations up to date.
- Prepare food under hygienic conditions, taking as a model the WHO's five keys to food safety (keep clean; separate raw and cooked food; cook thoroughly; keep food at safe temperatures; and use safe water and raw materials).
- Choose foods whose production has not involved the use of antibiotics to stimulate growth or prevent disease in healthy animals.
Ramona Ávila Núñez, Ph.D.
References
- González Mendoza, Jorge, Maguiña Vargas, Ciro, & González Ponce, Flor de María. (2019). Antibiotic resistance: a very serious problem. Acta Médica Peruana , 36 (2), 145-151. Retrieved December 21, 2020, from http://www.scielo.org.pe/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1728-59172019000200011&lng=es&tlng=es.
- Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. We cannot wait: securing the future against drug-resistant infections. Report to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. 2019. Available at : https://www.who.int/antimicrobial-resistance/interagency-coordination-group/IACG_final_report_ES.pdf?ua=1