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Rational approach to limiting emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance
1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Univeristy of Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract:
Microbial resistance to the available antimicrobial agents continues to be a major problem with regard to nosocomial and community acquired pathogens. The development of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials is of particular concern when it occurs in pathogenic organisms that cause invasive disease. This has implications on morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases, and will also result in escalated costs of care due to the use of alternative antimicrobials which are often more costly. The increasing frequency of drug resistance has been attributed to combinations of microbial characteristics, selective pressure of antimicrobial use and societal factors that enhance the transmission of drug resistant organisms. The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has generally correlated with the rise and fall of specific antibiotic use in clinical practice. Although the discovery of a new drug temporarily confers therapeutic superiority over bacterial pathogens, the subsequent rapid evolution of resistance limits the duration of the effectiveness of specific agents against pathogens. Surveillance and the development of drug policies that encourage judicious use of antimicrobials will help to minimise the spread of resistant infections. This paper reviews how this dual strategy may be used to control antimicrobial resistance.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance in pathogens is a growing global health threat, increasing disease severity and healthcare costs. This review explores surveillance and drug policies to combat the spread of resistant infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Microbial resistance to antimicrobials is a significant challenge for both hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections.
- The rise of resistance in pathogens causing invasive diseases elevates morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenses due to the need for more expensive treatments.
- Factors contributing to increased drug resistance include microbial traits, selective pressures from antimicrobial use, and societal elements promoting transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for controlling antimicrobial resistance.
- To examine the role of surveillance and drug policies in managing resistant infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on antimicrobial resistance trends and control measures.
- Analysis of the interplay between antimicrobial use, microbial evolution, and resistance emergence.
Main Results:
- Emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria often correlates with the clinical use patterns of specific antibiotics.
- New drug discoveries offer temporary advantages, but rapid resistance evolution shortens their effectiveness.
- A dual strategy of surveillance and judicious antimicrobial stewardship is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Effective control of antimicrobial resistance necessitates robust surveillance systems.
- Implementing drug policies that promote the prudent use of antimicrobials is essential to minimize resistance spread.
- Combining surveillance with antimicrobial stewardship offers a viable approach to manage and reduce antimicrobial resistance.