Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: A Global Menace

Antibiotic is a secondary metabolite and responsible for destruction or prevention of bacterial growth. The bacteria resistant to the available antibiotic(s), referred as antibiotic resistant. Antibiotic resistance threatens the effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria. It happens when bacteria are exposed to several antibacterial drugs inappropriately. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance to several antibiotics of different classes are also referred as “superbugs”. Due to antimicrobial resistance, the drugs become ineffective and infections turn chronic in the human body. These resistant microorganisms are found in animals, food, air, water, and soil. They can spread from person to person. The major causes of antimicrobial resistance are misuse or overuse of antibiotics, use of antibiotics without medical prescription, poor infections control and sanitary conditions. Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally through genetic changes and/ or exchanges. Such resistance development increases the cost of treatment and further, it requires more intensive care. Public awareness programs, appropriate use of antibiotics, proper control of infections, and the most important, the coordinated efforts to minimize the emergence and spread of antibiotics resistance are required.