BACTERIA, ANTIBIOTICS
AND ANTIBIOTIC
RESISTANCE
The rise of antibiotic resistance is a significant global health
concern, and the role of drugs in this issue cannot be ignored.
Antibiotics are vital in treating bacterial infections, but their
overuse and misuse have led to the emergence of drug-
resistant bacteria. These bacteria can survive even in the
presence of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and
leading to longer illnesses, higher medical costs, and an
increased risk of death.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to withstand
the effects of antibiotics. This can happen due to various
reasons, such as using the wrong antibiotic to treat an infection,
not completing the full course of treatment, or using antibiotics
when they are not necessary. The more bacteria are exposed
to antibiotics, the more likely they are to develop resistance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic
resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health, food
security, and development. It is essential to take action to
prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This includes
using antibiotics only when necessary, following the doctor's
instructions when taking antibiotics, and practicing good
hygiene to prevent the spread of infections.
Healthcare professionals also play a critical role in preventing
antibiotic resistance. They must prescribe antibiotics
appropriately, based on the type of infection and the patient's
medical history. Additionally, they must educate their patients
on the proper use of antibiotics and the risks associated with
antibiotic resistance.
In summary, drugs in antibiotics resistance is a pressing issue
that requires immediate attention. Antibiotic resistance can lead
to longer illnesses, higher medical costs, and an increased risk
of death. It is crucial to use antibiotics only when necessary and
follow the doctor's instructions when taking them. Healthcare
professionals must also prescribe antibiotics appropriately and
educate their patients on their proper use. By working together,
we can prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and
protect the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations
ABOUT BACTERIA
• Bacteria are small (microscopic size) organisms that can
be found in most environments, for example in soil, water
and on and inside the human body
• There are around 50 million bacteria
in every gram of surface soil
• We would not survive without them!
– Help degrade the food we eat
– Protect against pathogens
DISEASE-CAUSING BACTERIA
• A few bacteria can be dangerous to our health by causing
infections and even death
• We can get them from outside the body:
– Other humans, animals, food, water
• Sometimes our “own” bacteria can cause disease
• Examples of bacterial infections:
– Pneumonia
– Blood stream infections
– Urinary tract infections
– Wound infections
– The sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea
ANTIBIOTICS
• Antibiotics are medicines for bacterial infections
• Examples of antibiotics:
– Penicillin and Ciprofloxacin
• Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928
– Introduced as medicine in the 1940’s
• Antibiotics can have “broad” or “narrow” spectrum
– Broad spectrum: Active against many different types of
bacteria
– Narrow spectrum: Active against one or a few types of
bacteria
• Antibiotics do not work against viruses!
• Examples of viral infections:
– The common cold
– The flu (influenza)
• Antibiotics are effective against bacteria
– However, antibiotics have only marginal effect against
some bacterial infections such as uncomplicated sinus
infections and ear infections (bacterial otitis)
– The body’s immune system can normally take care of
these infections without antibiotics
• But for some bacterial infections antibiotics are
life- saving medicines!
– For example for blood stream infections (sepsis) and
Pneumonia
• Before antibiotics there was no effective cure forbacterial
infections
• Antibiotics were considered “a miracle cure”
• Antibiotics cure infections, prevent infection supon
surgery, and make transplantations and cancer treatment
safer
• Antibiotics are the cornerstones of modern medicine!
• Massive use of antibiotics the past 80 years, both
appropriate and inappropriate has lead to:
Increased occurrence and spread of
bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE = The ability of bacteria to
protect themselves against the effects of an antibiotic
• Bacteria are experts at surviving in changing environments
• In large bacterial populations there are often a few
resistant bacteria
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
Is antibiotic resistance a problem?
• Antibiotic resistance leads to treatment failures
• Antibiotic resistance threatens our ability to perform
modern medical procedures
• Antibiotic resistance imposes a major economic burden
on society
• Antibiotic resistant bacteria already cause many deaths
around the world
• Antibiotics select for resistant bacteria
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
Antibiotic resistant bacteria each year cause:
• More than 38,000 deaths in Thailanda
• More than 23,000 deaths in the USAb
• 25,000 deaths in the European Unionc
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
… but the consequences of antibiotic resistance are
most severe for the poor. For example:
• In South Asia (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal,
Bangladesh)
one newborn child dies every 5 minutes from blood
stream infections (sepsis) because the antibiotics given
are not effective due to bacterial resistancea
• Antibiotic resistance is a global issue!
– Exists on all continents
– Affects both low- and high income countries
– Affects both strong and weak health systems
LACK OF NEW ANTIBIOTICS
• The last new antibiotic class that has been
introduced as medicine was discovered in 1987
• Older antibiotics are rapidly becoming ineffective
due to antibiotic resistance
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
– Not for a common cold or the flu
• Ask your doctor for advise
– Don’t pressure
– Don’t self medicate
• Use antibiotics only when you need it
• Wash your hands, especially….
– Before and after handling and preparing food
– After visiting the bathroom
• Teach others about antibiotic resistance!
Bibliography
Ncert text book .com
