Misuse of Antibiotics and the Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in the Community

Abstract

A crucial issue that threatens humanity worldwide, is the misuse of antibiotics (Marquard & Li, 2018). However, the terms misuse and overuse of antibiotics are widely misunderstood, as many assume that antibiotics are only acquired directly through a prescription by a medical professional. The reality of the situation is much more complex, and many do not realise the indirect intake through ingestion with food (Philips et al., 2003) and recreational actions (Schwartz et al., 2003). Moreover, such information is kept out of the limelight, keeping the community unaware of this pressing issue. Antibiotic resistance is escalating globally as social behaviour is leading to selective pressure creating resistant strains of bacteria through excessive exploitation of antibiotics (Okeke & Edelman, 1999). This article aims to address the mechanisms of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the link to healthy individuals’ gut flora, creating asymptomatic carriers within the community. Since many students at MCAST are undertaking courses that may aid in the transportation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as animal husbandry, they need to be aware of bacterial strains found in farm animals, which pose a potential risk to humans via the food chain. Students undergoing courses that lead to health-related work, seeking future employment in a clinical setting, also need to be aware of the threat antibiotic-resistant pathogens pose to humans advancing from a clinical setting to the community. Persons working within such industries need to understand both how pathogens gain resistance, and how they spread, to apprehend methods of avoiding transmission. This study endeavours to increase local awareness within the community, and avoid this socioeconomic threat, by addressing behavioural factors.

A vegetarian educator in a meat obsessed country

“…By anticipating the opposition arguments, we discuss animal welfare in farming, consumer demands and antibiotics in the food supply. Although antibiotics are essential for animal welfare, especially in intensive farming due to limited land, such as in Malta, it is vital to understand how such drugs enter the food chain and impact health when consuming large amounts of meat (Sturgeon Delia, 2020).…”

Antimicrobial Resistance: Techniques to Fight AMR in Bacteria – A Review

“…In cases where antibiotics are appropriately prescribed, some patients may not complete the prescribed course. 38 Incomplete courses can lead to the survival of bacteria that develop resistance to the antibiotic. The reason for this lies in the fact that the most susceptible bacteria are eliminated first, leaving behind those that may possess greater resistance.…”