The Future of Antibiotics: Searching for New Weapons against Superbugs

Santos Polyxeni^*
*Correspondence: Santos Polyxeni, Department of Immunology,, University of Toronto, Canada, Email:

Introduction

Antibiotics have been one of the most significant medical breakthroughs in history, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections and saving countless lives. Since their discovery, antibiotics have allowed for successful treatments of everything from minor infections to life-threatening diseases and they have been indispensable in advancing modern surgery, cancer care and organ transplantation. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics over the past several decades have led to a growing public health crisis: antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to survive the effects of drugs that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth. The result is the emergence of “superbugs” pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics making once-treatable infections difficult or even impossible to treat. The over-prescription of antibiotics in healthcare settings, inappropriate use in agriculture and animal husbandry and self-medication by individuals have all contributed to the rapid spread of resistance. This article examines the impact of antibiotic overuse and misuse on public health, the consequences of rising antibiotic resistance and potential solutions to curb the ongoing crisis [1].

Description

Over-prescribing by healthcare providers in many cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics when they are not necessary, such as for viral infections (e.g., the common cold or flu), against which antibiotics are ineffective. In some instances, healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics to patients in response to patient demand, or due to diagnostic uncertainty. Inadequate diagnostics and time pressure can lead to the inappropriate use of antibiotics, especially in primary care settings. In some countries, antibiotics are available without a prescription, leading to widespread self-medication. Individuals may take antibiotics for conditions that do not require them, often stopping the treatment prematurely once they feel better, which can allow surviving bacteria to develop resistance. Antibiotics are routinely used in livestock farming for purposes other than treating infections, including growth promotion and disease prevention in healthy animals. This indiscriminate use of antibiotics in animals has contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can then be transmitted to humans through food consumption, direct contact with animals, or environmental contamination. Many people are unaware of the dangers of using antibiotics improperly, leading to non-compliance with prescribed regimens, the use of leftover antibiotics from previous illnesses, or misuse for conditions that antibiotics cannot treat, such as viral infections [2].

Conclusion

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics is a critical issue that threatens to undermine decades of medical progress and exacerbates the global health crisis of antibiotic resistance. The consequences are profound, ranging from increased morbidity and mortality to the jeopardizing of routine medical procedures and a substantial economic burden. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that involves antibiotic stewardship, improved diagnostic practices, public education and global collaboration. By implementing evidence-based strategies and fostering a greater awareness of the risks of antibiotic misuse, we can slow the spread of resistance, preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and safeguard future generations from the dangers of untreatable infections. Tackling this crisis will require commitment from individuals, healthcare providers, policymakers and industries worldwide to ensure that antibiotics remain a vital tool in the fight against infectious diseases.

References

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2. Levine, Gillian A., Judd L. Walson, Hannah E. Atlas and Laura M. Lamberti, et al. “Defining pediatric diarrhea in low-resource settings.”J Pediatr Infect Dis Soc6 (2017): 289-293.

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