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Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance
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Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance

Published on: May 2, 2018

The crisis of antibiotic-resistance in bacteria

Ahmed Tarif A El-Tahawy1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, PO Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ahmedeltahawy@hotmail.com

Saudi Medical Journal
|July 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic resistance in human pathogens is rising globally, leading to increased illness, death, and healthcare costs. Implementing strict prescribing guidelines and treatment durations is crucial to combat this growing public health threat.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The global prevalence of antibiotic resistance in common human pathogens is significantly increasing.
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) leads to elevated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures.
  • Widespread use of antimicrobial agents accelerates the emergence and dissemination of bacterial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical issue of rising antibiotic resistance worldwide.
  • To emphasize the severe consequences of antimicrobial resistance on public health and healthcare systems.
  • To advocate for strategic interventions to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current trends in antibiotic resistance prevalence.
  • Analysis of the impact of antimicrobial use on resistance development.
  • Identification of key strategies for controlling antimicrobial resistance.

Main Results:

  • Observed significant increases in antibiotic resistance in prevalent human pathogens.
  • Documented links between antimicrobial agent use and the promotion of resistance.
  • Identified clinical guidelines and treatment duration as critical factors.

Conclusions:

  • Strict clinical guidelines for antibiotic prescribing are essential.
  • Optimizing treatment duration is a key component in managing resistance.
  • A multidisciplinary approach including surveillance is vital to limit AMR spread.

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