How AMR has become a major issue in our
times? what are its causes and possible
solutions.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)
INTRODUCTION
ANTIMICROBIALS:
agents that are used against the
microbes(which includes bacteria, viruses, fungi,
etc.)
Examples:
antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals.
DEF OF AMR
When microorganisms evolve to resist the
effects of medications making infections harder
or impossible to treat is called AMR.
OR
When an infection responds poorly to an
antibiotic that once treated it successfully is
called AMR.
HOW IT HAPPENS
• AMR occurs because bacteria become
resistant to antibiotics.
• And this happens because bacteria acquire
mutation i.e. change in DNA sequence to
produce new protein which act as a tool to
fight the antibiotic.
HOW IT WORKS
There are many mechanisms by which this tool
may work.
1. It can prevent the antibiotic from entering
into the cell.
2. Pump antibiotic out of the cell.
3. Inactivate antibiotic.
4. Modify antibiotic target.
HOW ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT SPREADS
Mutations that confer antibiotic resistant can be
transmitted vertically from parents to offspring,
also horizontally from one bacterial cell to
another using mobile genetic elements such as
plasmid, or bacteriophages.
CAUSES
Misuse and overuse of antibiotics
Unnecessary prescription of antibiotics for viral
infections such as flu and cold.
Self medication and over the counter access.
Incomplete courses allow some bacteria to
survive and adopt.
Agricultural use
Antibiotics are frequently used in livestock to
promote growth and prevent diseases often
without medical oversight.
lack of new antibiotics
Pharmaceutical companies invest less n
antibiotic development due to lower profits and
limited arsenal of effective drugs.
global travel and trade
Resistant bacteria can spread rapidly across
borders making AMR a global issue.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR CONTROLLING
AMR
Rational use of antibiotics
Prescribe when necessary and ensure the full
course is completed.
Improve public awareness about the dangers of
misuse.
stronger regulations in agriculture
Ban or strictly control the use of antibiotics as
growth promoters in animals.
Promote alternative practices like vaccination and
improved hygiene in farming.
investment in research and development
Encourage innovation and funding for the
discovery of antibiotics and alternative
treatments.
global cooperation and surveillance
Strengthen international efforts for the discovery
of new antibiotics and alternative treatments.
CONCLUSION
AMR has become one of the major global health
concern. It requires united and sustained effort
to preserve antibiotic efficacy for future
generations. Policies regulating antibiotic
distribution and usage should be enforced more
strictly.
