Antibiotic resistant microorganisms, also known as “superbugs,” are bacterial germs that have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics, to the extent that they become difficult to treat and cure as a result of there being fewer or no effective drugs that can work against them.
A variety of mechanisms may lead to the emergence of this resistance. Most importantly, taking antibiotics when not required, or in inadequate doses, can lead to antibiotic resistance.
There is a lot that each of us can do to minimize the use of antibiotics in situations not requiring such drugs; for example, in the case of viral infections such as uncomplicated influenza or common cold, antibiotics will not work.
While the first responsibility obviously falls on health care workers who should prescribe these medications only when required and should explain to their patients the rationale of their decisions, the role of patients and guardians is also an important consideration.
Each of us could also be contributing to the “manufacture” of antibiotic resistance when we do not take the correct dose or take it less than the recommended period, or when we take it for longer than required. A health care provider should always be consulted before changing dose or usage of prescription medications.
In conclusion, let us all be aware that the so-called “superbugs” are not necessarily imported from other countries, and that some of our actions could be contributing to their emergence.
This is an issue that needs our full attention as there are almost no new antibiotics in the foreseeable future.
