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Navigating Antimicrobials and Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Challenges, Impacts, and Strategies for Global
Vishnu Desai1, Santosh Kumar1, Bhavin Patel1
1Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Karnavati School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, IND.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest problems facing the scientific and medical communities. According to WHO, this growing issue might make once-effective antibiotics obsolete and pose a substantial risk to public health. Estimates indicate that multimillion deaths were either directly or indirectly caused by AMR, making it one of the most substantial risks to public health and development in the world. The issue of AMR is primarily caused by healthcare workers' excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents. Dentists are believed to prescribe a considerable portion of all antibiotics globally. The emergence of AMR, its causes, and its effects on human health are examined in this article, with special attention to dental offices and medical facilities. It draws attention to the rising issue of antibiotic overprescription and abuse, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where improper antibiotic use is an everyday practice around the globe. The article discusses the role of antimicrobial stewardship programs and the importance of implementing precise, evidence-based practices in preventing AMR. Since antibiotic abuse in livestock greatly accelerates the spread of resistance, the role of antibiotics in animal agriculture is also investigated. To address AMR, the paper highlights the necessity of a global, coordinated response that bolsters surveillance systems, cuts back on needless antibiotic use, and expands access to alternative treatments. Recent research has called into question the efficacy of preventive antibiotic medication in these situations. According to other researchers, it might not help avoid surgical site infections. However, other experts say disrupting deeper tissues and local mucosal defenses during an intraoral surgical operation may raise the risk of infection even when antibiotics are used.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat due to excessive antibiotic use, especially in dentistry. Addressing this requires global coordination, improved stewardship, and reduced unnecessary prescriptions in both human and animal health.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge, potentially rendering antibiotics ineffective and causing millions of deaths.
- Excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents by healthcare professionals, including dentists, is a primary driver of AMR.
- The problem is exacerbated in low- and middle-income countries due to widespread antibiotic overprescription and misuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the emergence, causes, and health effects of AMR, with a focus on dental and medical settings.
- To highlight the issue of antibiotic overprescription and abuse globally.
- To discuss strategies for preventing AMR, including antimicrobial stewardship and evidence-based practices.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on antimicrobial resistance.
- Analysis of antibiotic prescribing patterns in dental and medical facilities.
- Investigation of antibiotic use in animal agriculture and its contribution to AMR.
- Examination of global responses and alternative treatments for AMR.
Main Results:
- Dentists are significant prescribers of antibiotics, contributing to the AMR crisis.
- Improper antibiotic use is prevalent globally, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Antibiotic abuse in livestock accelerates the spread of resistance.
- Recent studies question the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing surgical site infections.
Conclusions:
- A coordinated global response is essential to combat AMR, involving enhanced surveillance and reduced unnecessary antibiotic use.
- Implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and evidence-based practices is crucial for prevention.
- Alternative treatments and responsible antibiotic use in both human and animal health are necessary to mitigate the AMR threat.
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