Antibiotic resistance is the process by which microorganisms (e.g. bacteria) become resistant to the action of antibiotics.
This problem is becoming increasingly important as many traditional drugs that used to be effective in treating infections are now losing their potency.
In this article, we will look at modern methods of combating antibiotic resistance and the search for new antibacterial agents.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antibiotics.
It can occur naturally or as a result of inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as when they are taken without a doctor’s prescription or by not completing a course of treatment.
The problem of antibiotic resistance is global: the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that by 2050, antibiotic resistance could cause 10 million deaths a year worldwide.
How does resistance develop?
Microorganisms can develop resistance to antibiotics through several mechanisms:
- Mutations: random changes in the genes of bacteria can make them less sensitive to antibiotics.
- Transfer of resistance genes: bacteria can transfer genes to each other that make them resistant to antibiotics.
- Structural change: some bacteria can change their cell wall or other structures, allowing them to avoid the action of antibiotics.
Table 1: Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| Mutations | Changes in the DNA of bacteria, making them resistant to antibiotics. |
| Gene transfer | Bacteria pass on resistant genes to their offspring or neighbors. |
| Structural change | Changes in the cell wall that prevent the antibiotic from penetrating. |
The mechanisms of antibiotic resistance development play a key role in the global problem, so it is important to understand these processes to develop effective strategies to combat them.
There are various diagnostic and treatment methods aimed at suppressing antibiotic resistance.
However, successful infection control requires a comprehensive intervention that includes both research and educational programs to raise awareness among the population.
Current methods of combating antibiotic resistance
There are several approaches to combat antibiotic resistance:
Development of new antibiotics
One solution is to develop new antibacterial drugs that will be effective against resistant microorganisms.
Current research is aimed at finding antibiotics that can affect new molecular targets in the bacterial cell.
Application of phagotherapy
Phagotherapy is the treatment of bacterial infections using viruses that can infect and destroy bacteria (bacteriophages).
This method is becoming increasingly relevant due to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Probiotics and bacterial preparations
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can support gut health and help fight harmful bacteria.
Research shows that probiotics can have an effect on restoring the microbiota and reducing the risk of infections.
Awareness raising and rational use of antibiotics
It is very important to use antibiotics correctly.
This includes strict guidelines for physicians to prescribe antibiotics only when necessary and warning patients of the possible risks if these drugs are used incorrectly.
Table 2: Current treatment options for antibiotic-resistant infections
| Treatment method | Description |
|---|---|
| New antibiotics | Development of drugs targeting novel molecules and pathways. |
| Phagotherapy | The use of bacteriophages to kill bacteria. |
| Probiotics | The use of live bacteria to restore normal microflora. |
All of these methods can be important tools in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
But to be effective, they must be used in conjunction with the rational use of antibiotics and the widespread dissemination of scientific knowledge to the public.
How to avoid antibiotic resistance?
To prevent the development of antibiotic resistance, it is important to follow simple guidelines:
- Do not take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
- End your antibiotic treatment even if you feel better.
- Do not use antibiotics to treat viral infections (such as colds).
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition and physical activity, to strengthen your immune system.
Conclusion
Antibiotic resistance is a serious threat to human health, but through research, new treatment approaches and proper use of antibiotics, its impact can be reduced.
It is important that each of us monitor our health and use antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor.
List of references
- World Health Organization. Antimicrobial resistance: Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
- Ventola, C. L. (2015). The antibiotic resistance crisis: Part 1: Causes and threats. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 40(4), 277-283. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392255/
- Mavrich, T. L., et al. (2020). The role of bacteriophages in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Frontiers in Microbiology, 11, 551. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7368681/
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