Antibiotikaresistenz

Abstract

Without doubt, drug resistance is now one of the greatest health threats of our time. Not even 100 years after the discovery of the first antibiotics that saved human lives, we find ourselves threatened by the thought of a post-antibiotic era. Currently it is estimated that around 700,000 people die annually as a consequence of drug-resistant infections. Antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon with bacteria having devised several ways of combating the antibiotic attack. Rather than being a spontaneous event, resistance becomes an integral part of the microbe's genetic make-up, spreading further between and across species. However, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics over the years has in fact allowed for resistant bacteria to thrive, while slowly wiping out sensitive bacteria. Spreading awareness and proper information in the community about the risks and consequences of a rapidly developing antibiotic resistance is essential in tackling this global problem. In working together as an entire community, we can find long-lasting solutions. The One Health concept includes human and veterinary medical sectors, the environmental sector, as well as various decision-making bodies that include individual action as well as national and international policymakers. The role of stakeholders like pharmaceutical companies and agriculturists must be given importance, too, thinking all the while in a global context. Only this way will we find solutions for sustainable healthcare and together help slow down the process of antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic resistance, the 3As and the road ahead

“…Meanwhile in larger towns and cities of these same countries, antibiotics are sold over the counter to those who can afford them even without a prescription from a healthcare professional [1]. In developed countries, there ends up being a surplus of available antibiotics, especially when administered unjustifiably [52]. In Germany, the total antibiotic consumption in human medicine is around 800 tons, of which 600 tons are used in outpatient care, more than half of which are prescribed by GPs [50].…”

Distribution of ESBL/AmpC-Escherichia coli on a Dairy Farm

“…If the resistance situation continues to develop at such a rapid pace, this may mean that there will be no more effective antibiotics in the future [3]. Livestock farming, in particular, has been repeatedly criticized for using antibiotics too frequently and in an untargeted manner, which greatly accelerates the development of resistance [2,4]. Other factors that influence the occurrence of antibiotic resistance include farm management, water treatment, manure handling, and wildlife control [5].…”

Preventing Biofilm Formation and Development on Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Devices

“…There is a need to discuss the AMR topic with the general public and the medical field to obtain a balanced consumption of antibiotics and thus reduce the incidence of resistance [61,62]. Developed countries end up having larger stocks of antibiotics available due to good administration [63]. For example, some 800 tons of antibiotic treatments are used by Germany's population per year, from which 600 tons are utilized for ambulatory care, and more than half are prescriptions [64].…”