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[60 years' of antibiotics--resistance: a time bomb for the third millenium]
J Blahová1, K Králiková, V Krcméry
1Ustav preventívnej a klinickej medicíny, Bratislava.
Abstract:
More then 50 years of antibiotic era has brought to clinical use many antibiotics with, specific and also with broad spectrum activity. Excessive use of antibiotics brought and brings serious problems--the resistance of many important bacteria and so the loss of effectivity of these scarce substances. Significant negative role in this process has the transferability of the resistance genes between bacteria. Bacterial strains are able to accept block of genes for multiresistance, exchange them inter species and spread to susceptible ones. There is an important task for the 3rd millennium to reduce the prevalence of the antibiotic resistance. Changes of the empiric treatment regiments (reduction in antibiotic use, antibiotic rotation, infection control, monitoring of resistance) and the strict hospital hygiene could help to solve the problems of antibiotic resistance in the future.
Insights
The overuse of antibiotics has led to widespread bacterial resistance, diminishing their effectiveness. Strategies like reducing antibiotic use and improving hospital hygiene are crucial to combat this growing public health threat.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- The widespread clinical use of antibiotics for over 50 years has led to significant challenges.
- Excessive antibiotic consumption has accelerated the development of bacterial resistance.
- The transferability of antibiotic resistance genes between bacterial species exacerbates the problem.
Purpose:
- To highlight the critical issue of antibiotic resistance.
- To emphasize the role of gene transfer in spreading multiresistance.
- To propose strategies for mitigating antibiotic resistance.
Summary:
- Antibiotic resistance is a major global health concern, driven by the overuse of antimicrobial agents and the horizontal gene transfer of resistance genes among bacteria.
- Bacterial strains can acquire and disseminate multiresistance genes, leading to a loss of efficacy for crucial antibiotic therapies.
- Combating antibiotic resistance requires a multifaceted approach, including revised treatment regimens and stringent infection control measures.
Impact:
- Reduced prevalence of antibiotic resistance is a key objective for the 21st century.
- Implementing changes in empirical treatment, such as antibiotic stewardship and rotation, is essential.
- Strict adherence to hospital hygiene protocols can significantly aid in controlling the spread of antibiotic resistance.