A Antimicrobial Resistance: An Emerging Global Public Health Crisis
Keywords:
Antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, drug resistance, resistant pathogens, prevention strategies.Abstract
Antibiotics are one of the greatest medical discoveries of the 20th century, playing a vital role in treating infectious diseases and saving millions of lives. However, the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where microorganisms become resistant to commonly used drugs. AMR spreads through human interactions, healthcare settings, and the widespread use of antimicrobials in agriculture and livestock. The growing prevalence of resistant pathogens has become a major global public health concern, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In addition, the limited development of new antibiotics has further worsened the situation. Effective strategies to combat AMR include surveillance and monitoring, rational use of antibiotics, restriction of over-the-counter sales, reduced antibiotic use in food animals, improved access to quality medicines and vaccines, and strict regulatory policies. Coordinated national and international efforts are urgently needed to prevent the world from entering a post-antibiotic era. This review discusses the mechanisms, causes, and preventive strategies related to antimicrobial resistance.
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