Opinion - (2024) Volume 9, Issue 5
Received: 02-Oct-2024, Manuscript No. jidm-24-155059;
Editor assigned: 04-Oct-2024, Pre QC No. P-155059;
Reviewed: 16-Oct-2024, QC No. Q-155059;
Revised: 21-Oct-2024, Manuscript No. R-155059;
Published:
28-Oct-2024
, DOI: 10.37421/2576-1420.2024.9.372
Citation: Bernat, Ordovas. “The Impact of Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics: Public Health Implications and Solutions.” J Infect Dis Med 9 (2024): 372.
Copyright: © 2024 Bernat O. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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].
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].
The primary consequence of overuse and misuse is the acceleration of antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are used inappropriately or overused, bacteria are exposed to the drugs and are given the opportunity to mutate, develop resistance mechanisms and pass these resistant genes to other bacteria. This results in the emergence of "superbugs," such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci which are difficult or impossible to treat with conventional antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance leads to more severe infections, prolonged hospital stays, higher treatment costs and increased mortality. For example, infections caused by resistant pathogens are associated with longer durations of illness, more frequent complications and a higher risk of death compared to infections caused by non-resistant bacteria. Antibiotics are crucial for the success of many medical procedures, including surgeries, cancer treatments, organ transplants and the management of chronic conditions. For instance, elective surgeries such as hip replacements or appendectomies become riskier without reliable antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infection [3].
The economic impact of antibiotic resistance is substantial. Costs arise from prolonged hospitalizations, more intensive care treatments and the need for more expensive, alternative drugs. In addition to healthcare costs, there is a loss of productivity due to extended illness and disability from resistant infections. According to some estimates, the economic burden of antibiotic resistance could reach trillions of dollars globally in the coming decades. Healthcare systems must implement comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure that antibiotics are prescribed appropriately. This includes guidelines for when antibiotics are needed, as well as selecting the right antibiotic at the correct dose and duration. The development and use of rapid diagnostic tests can help healthcare providers distinguish between bacterial and viral infections, ensuring that antibiotics are only prescribed when necessary. Point-of-care diagnostics can facilitate more accurate and timely decisions, reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics [4].
Educating the public about the dangers of overusing antibiotics is critical. Campaigns that inform people about the importance of completing antibiotic courses, not demanding antibiotics for viral infections and avoiding self-medication can reduce the incidence of misuse. Regulations that restrict the use of antibiotics to only treating sick animals, along with increased surveillance and control measures, are essential for reducing the transmission of resistant bacteria from animals to humans. With the growing threat of resistance, there is an urgent need for investment in the research and development of new antibiotics and alternative therapies. Antibiotic resistance is a global problem that requires coordinated action across countries and sectors. International bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must continue to lead efforts to monitor resistance trends, set guidelines and promote information-sharing and collaborative solutions to the crisis. Governments should enact stronger regulations to control the sale and use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine [5].
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.
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