Antibiotic resistance: a crisis needs to be encountered

Bacteria are said to be resistant if their growth is not halted by the maximum level of an antibiotic that is tolerated by the host. Antimicrobial agents are among the most frequently prescribed and inappropriate use of these agents are associated with allergic reactions, toxicities, super infection and more importantly the development of antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed inappropriately in terms of type, dose, duration and indication. The excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics add unnecessary economic burden to the healthcare system and cause increasing antibiotic resistant organisms which result use more of expensive and toxic drugs. It is known that patients infected with drug-resistant organisms are more likely to require hospitalization, have a longer hospital stay and death. And all efforts to contain the problem must include manufacturers, prescribers, dispensers and consumers of antimicrobial agents to work must work in cooperation for prevention of antibiotic resistance. Mediscope Vol. 5, No. 1: Jan 2018, Page 33-37