Antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Antibiotics fundamentally revolutionized the practice of medicine and patient care, shifting the approach from diagnosis without intervening to a treatment-focused approach. However, the irrational use of antibiotic over the last seven decades has led to alarming clinical, environmental, and economic consequences. The judicious use of antibiotics limits the spread of antibiotic resistance as this strategy minimizes any unnecessary, inappropriate, or irrational use of antimicrobials. Most of the treating doctors hold good intentions of providing the best possible care to patients, and prescription of antibiotics is often considered a routine activity for achieving this by both patients and treating doctors. Researchers have found out that physician with high-volume practices and those who are in practice for longer are more likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately. On the other hand, patients have habit of repeating the prescription on their own, purchasing antibiotics without any prescription, or purchasing fewer units, all of which contribute to emergence of resistance. It would be rewarding to invest in seeking proper medical advice and further microbiological investigation in a patient who is suspected to have an infective etiology (bacterial) before instituting antibiotics. We have outlined the importance of rational use of antibiotics and good practices on part of both the doctor and the patients for effective containment of antimicrobial resistance.