Strategies to prevent antibiotic resistance and protect future health

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis, resulting when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of medications designed to kill them.

This change renders once-effective antibiotics less useful, leading to prolonged illness, more severe infections, and increased healthcare costs.

If left unchecked, antibiotic resistance could make routine medical procedures, such as surgeries and cancer treatments, riskier due to the potential for uncontrollable infections, warned Dr. Ajay Agarwal, Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Noida while speaking to The Indian Express.

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the primary causes of antibiotic resistance.

When antibiotics are prescribed without a real need or not used as directed, bacteria are exposed to these drugs in ways that enable them to adapt and develop resistance. These drug-resistant bacteria then multiply and can spread, making future infections much harder to treat.

Dr. Tushar Tayal, an internal medicine consultant at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, notes that while completely eradicating antibiotic resistance is impossible due to bacteria's natural ability to evolve, slowing its progression is achievable, reported The Indian Express. Strategies include limiting unnecessary antibiotic use in both people and animals, enhancing infection control in healthcare settings, supporting the research of new treatments, and advocating for global health policies to regulate antibiotic use.

One of the most alarming consequences of antibiotic resistance is the reduction in effective treatment options.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) means healthcare providers are often forced to resort to less effective or more toxic drugs. The development of new antibiotics has also been slow, leaving limited options to fight resistant infections.

This issue is particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Unchecked AMR could result in more widespread infections, increased disability, and death, especially as resistant bacteria transfer from livestock to humans due to excessive antibiotic use in animal farming, Dr. Agarwal adds.

Preventive Measures to Combat Antibiotic Resistance

Though antibiotic resistance cannot be entirely prevented, several strategies can help reduce its spread:

Use antibiotics responsibly: Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional and follow the complete course, even if you start to feel better.

Avoid antibiotics for viral infections: Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, so do not request them for colds or the flu.

Practice good hygiene: Proper handwashing, safe food handling, and maintaining personal hygiene can help prevent infections and reduce antibiotic need.

Stay vaccinated: Keep up to date with vaccinations to avoid infections that may otherwise require antibiotic treatment.

Limit antibiotic use in animal farming: Choose products from sources that avoid excessive antibiotic use in animals, reducing the spread of resistance to humans.

Support global health efforts: Advocate for global initiatives to regulate antibiotic use, strengthen infection prevention, and support the research of new antibiotics.

Dr. Agarwal also highlighted promising research into alternative treatments, such as combinational drug therapies, nanoparticle-based formulations, and antimicrobial biomaterials, which may combat drug-resistant bacteria more effectively. However, without increased public awareness and a coordinated global effort, the fight against antibiotic resistance and superbugs remains a significant challenge for future health.