Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing global health challenges today. It occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms that render antibiotics, the drugs used to treat bacterial infections, ineffective. This resistance leads to longer illnesses, increased medical costs, and higher mortality rates. Despite advancements in medicine, the rapid rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria threatens to undo decades of progress in treating infectious diseases. One of the primary drivers of antibiotic resistance is the overprescription and improper use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are often prescribed for viral infections like colds or the flu, even though they are ineffective against viruses. Inappropriate dosages or incomplete courses of antibiotics also allow some bacteria to survive, leading to resistance. Antibiotics are widely used in agriculture, particularly in livestock farming, not just to treat infections but also to promote growth and prevent disease in crowded conditions. This excessive use contributes to the development of resistant bacteria that can spread to humans through the food supply or the environment. Bacteria naturally evolve over time, and when exposed to antibiotics, some may acquire mutations that allow them to survive the drug’s effects. These resistant bacteria then multiply, passing on their resistant traits to future generations. The ease of travel and global trade means that resistant bacteria can spread quickly across countries. Additionally, poor hygiene practices, inadequate infection control in healthcare settings, and lack of access to clean water contribute to the spread of resistant infections. The implications of antibiotic resistance are severe and far-reaching. Infections caused by resistant bacteria are harder to treat, requiring more potent antibiotics or combinations of drugs, which may have more side effects and be more expensive. Common infections like urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and tuberculosis are becoming more difficult to treat, leading to prolonged illnesses and higher mortality rates.
