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Antibiotic availability and use: consequences to man and his environment
1Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, Boston, MA 02117.
Abstract:
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of therapy for infectious diseases affecting people living worldwide. The ability of these agents to cure infections, with little if any harm to the host, has helped to propagate their designation as "miracle drugs". This idea has continued throughout the past four decades and into the present one. To a large extent, this concept has led to the inappropriate use of these agents. The consequence of this misuse affects not only the individuals taking antibiotics, but indirectly others who may subsequently need antibiotics, but find that the infecting pathogen is resistant. This phenomenon results from the strong selective environmental effect of these drugs for resistant bacteria. Resistant pathogens have emerged and spread worldwide. In response to this global health problem, the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics was established. This international network of concerned prescribers and users aims to improve antibiotic use and eliminate inappropriate use worldwide. Prudent use of antibiotics will not only curtail health care costs and the potential side effects to the individual taking these drugs, but also diminish the wide ecologic effects leading to selection of antibiotic resistant forms of common disease-causing agents.
Insights
Antibiotic misuse has led to widespread resistant bacteria, a global health crisis. Prudent antibiotic use is crucial to preserve treatment effectiveness and reduce healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Antibiotics are vital for treating bacterial infections globally.
- Over-reliance and misuse have led to the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
- This resistance poses a significant threat to public health and healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the problem of antibiotic resistance.
- To advocate for the prudent use of antibiotics worldwide.
- To emphasize the role of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- The abstract discusses the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance.
- It highlights the selective pressure exerted by antibiotics on bacterial populations.
- It mentions the establishment of an international network to address the issue.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic misuse has resulted in the global spread of resistant pathogens.
- This resistance compromises future treatment options for infectious diseases.
- Prudent use can mitigate resistance, reduce costs, and minimize side effects.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health concern driven by inappropriate use.
- Promoting prudent antibiotic use is essential to combat resistance.
- International collaboration, like that of the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, is key to improving antibiotic stewardship.