Antimicrobial resistance: Understanding the mechanism and strategies for prevention and control

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health concern globally, with the threat of a post-antibiotic era, where common infections can become fatal, a very plausible reality. Despite ongoing efforts to control AMR, both mortality and expenses have increased. To combat this threat, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and the driver behind this issue needs to be known. The key mechanisms of resistance are modification or destruction of antimicrobials, reduction of access to the target, and alteration of the target. These mechanisms may be present in the microorganisms naturally or may have been acquired from other microorganisms. As AMR jeopardizes the successful prevention and treatment of many infectious diseases, this article looks at the causes of AMR, along with the possible mechanisms of resistance development, and suggests control strategies to deal with the problem conclusively.