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The impact of antibiotic use on resistance development and persistence
Teresa M. Barbosa1, Stuart B. Levy
1the Departments of Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Center for Adaptation Genetics Drug Resistance
Abstract:
The intense use and misuse of antibiotics are undoubtedly the major forces associated with the high numbers of resistant pathogenic and commensal bacteria worldwide. Both the volume and the way antibiotics are applied contributes to the selection of resistant strains. Still, other social, ecological and genetic factors affect a direct relationship between use and frequency of resistance. Resistant bacteria, following their emergence and evolution in the presence of antibiotics, appear to acquire a 'life of their own'. They proliferate and maintain the resistance traits even in the absence of antibiotics, thus jeopardizing the reversal of bacterial resistance by simple reduction in antibiotic use. Reversing resistance requires restoration of the former susceptible flora in people and in the environment. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
Insights
Antibiotic misuse drives resistant bacteria globally. Reducing antibiotic use alone won't reverse resistance; restoring susceptible bacteria in people and the environment is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intense antibiotic use and misuse are primary drivers of global bacterial resistance.
- Both the quantity and application methods of antibiotics contribute to selecting resistant strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the factors contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- To investigate the long-term implications of antibiotic resistance on public health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on antibiotic resistance.
- Analysis of factors influencing the selection and proliferation of resistant bacterial strains.
Main Results:
- Resistant bacteria persist and maintain resistance traits even without antibiotic pressure.
- Social, ecological, and genetic factors influence the relationship between antibiotic use and resistance frequency.
Conclusions:
- Simple reduction in antibiotic use is insufficient to reverse bacterial resistance.
- Restoring susceptible bacterial flora in human populations and the environment is essential for combating resistance.