Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) happens when germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites become resistant to the medicines that once treated them effectively. Here's a simpler breakdown:
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What Are Antimicrobials?: Antimicrobials are medications that fight infections. They include antibiotics (for bacteria), antivirals (for viruses), antifungals (for fungi), and antiparasitics (for parasites).
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How Resistance Develops: When an antimicrobial is used, it kills most of the germs causing the infection. However, some germs may have or develop mutations that allow them to survive. These surviving germs can then multiply and spread, leading to infections that do not respond to standard treatments.
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Causes of AMR: There are several reasons why AMR is becoming a serious problem:
- Overuse of Antimicrobials: Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed, such as for viral infections (like the common cold), can promote resistance.
- Not Completing Prescriptions: Stopping treatment early or not taking the full course prescribed allows some germs to survive and adapt.
- Use in Agriculture: Farmers sometimes use antibiotics to promote growth in livestock, which can contribute to the spread of resistant germs.
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Consequences of AMR: When germs become resistant to treatment, common infections can become harder to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates. In some cases, medical procedures like surgeries and chemotherapy become riskier without effective antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.
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Prevention: To combat AMR, it’s important to use antimicrobials responsibly, follow healthcare providers’ guidance on medications, and adopt proper hygiene practices to prevent infections in the first place.
In summary, antimicrobial resistance is when germs evolve to resist the effects of medications meant to kill them, making infections harder to treat and posing a serious public health threat.