The use of antibiotics (and other antimicrobial agents) can lead to disease-causing bacteria developing resistance, making it more difficult to treat patients’ infections
. These resistant organisms can spread from person to person, with the potential to cause serious and difficult-to-treat infections.
How do infections develop antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance happens
when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them
. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. More than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year.
What are the main causes of antibiotic resistance?
- Over-prescription of antibiotics.
- Patients not finishing the entire antibiotic course.
- Overuse of antibiotics in livestock and fish farming.
- Poor infection control in health care settings.
- Poor hygiene and sanitation.
How does poor infection control cause antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when
bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines
. Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.
What are 3 ways that patients can prevent antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings?
- Preventing infections.
- Keeping scrapes and wounds clean.
- Managing chronic conditions.
- Seeking medical care when an infection is not getting better.
- Understanding when antibiotics are needed.
How can hospitals prevent antibiotic resistance?
Healthcare personnel can prevent the spread of resistant germs by
following recommended practices for identifying these germs, cleaning their hands, wearing gowns and gloves, and thoroughly cleaning patient care areas and medical equipment
. You can also play a role in preventing spread.
How does bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics and how humans can contribute to this phenomenon?
Bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance genes from other bacteria in several ways.
By undergoing a simple mating process called “conjugation,” bacteria can transfer genetic material, including genes encoding resistance to antibiotics (found on plasmids and transposons) from one bacterium to another
.
Why does antibiotic resistance threaten global human health?
Antibiotic resistance,
when germs (i.e., bacteria, fungi) develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them
, is a top threat to the public’s health and a priority across the globe. In the U.S. alone, it causes more than 2 million infections and 23,000 deaths per year.
How does resistance happen and spread?
Resistant bacteria spread to other people through poor hygiene and close proximity
. Resistant bacteria spread to humans and other animals through the environment (water, soil, air). Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change to protect themselves from an antibiotic.
How can health care workers contribute to good antibiotic stewardship?
patient education efforts. They should be engaged in
developing educational materials and educating patients about appropriate antibiotic use
. CDC’s national campaign, Be Antibiotics Aware, helps healthcare providers educate their patients about appropriate antibiotic use.
How can nurses reduce antibiotic resistance?
Use aseptic technique when needed
. Promote vaccination of clinical staff. Encourage and promoting uptake of vaccinations and immunisations to protect patients from preventable infections. Educate patients on self help measures for minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats and ear infections.
What are 2 factors that lead to antibiotic resistance in bacteria?
The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include the
misuse and overuse of antimicrobials
; lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals; poor infection and disease prevention and control in health-care facilities and farms; poor access to quality, affordable medicines, …
What is the effect of antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance results in a
decreased ability to treat infections and illnesses in people, animals and plants
. This can lead to the following problems: increased human illness, suffering and death, increased cost and length of treatments, and.
