The Effects of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), also known as drug resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. It refers to the ability of microbes to withstand the effects of drugs that previously managed to kill them, or inhibit their growth. For example: bacteria that were once vulnerable to antibiotics might evolve to become resistant. One case of this would be multidrug-resistance tuberculosis (TB), which entails resistance to two of the most effective TB drugs - isoniazid and rifampicin.

I strongly believe that the resistance is a problem because it threatens the effectiveness of treatments for infections which are caused by pathogens. When they evolve to resist drugs that once managed them, it leads to longer length of illnesses, increased medical costs, and higher mortality rates. 

In addition, the rise in AMR complicates the treatment of common infections. Thus, it would make routine medical procedures and surgeries riskier due to the potential for untreatable infections. For instance: common infections such as urinary tract infections (UTI) could be made more complicated due to the increase in AMR. Research shows that Escherichia coli, a bacterium responsible for UTIs, has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics. This can lead to prolonged illness, recurrent infections, and the need for more potent and potentially more harmful antibiotics. Another common example would be pneumonia. 

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are examples of pathogens that can cause pneumonia and have shown increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. This can result in more severe illness, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates.

Individuals with infections, especially those

with chronic conditions or weakened immune

systems, are most directly affected by AMR. They may face prolonged illness, treatment failures and higher risk of complications and death. AMR also affects healthcare systems due to increased patient complexity and longer hospital stays, which can strain resources and capacity. It could also lead to potential outbreaks of drug-resistance infections. 

Patients may experience higher out-of-pocket expenses due to more expensive treatments and extended care. The need for more advanced or multiple rounds of antibiotics can lead to increased medical bills. Prolonged or severe infections can lead to long-term health issues, affecting individuals' ability to work, engage in daily activities, and having a positive overall well-being. Increased hospitalizations, longer

treatments, and the need for more expensive drugs drive up healthcare costs. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the economic burden of antibiotic resistance in the U.S. alone is estimated to be several billion dollars annually. Additional resources are required for monitoring, infection control, and development of new antibiotics. 

AMR can be combated by avoiding overuse or misuse of drugs, infection prevention such as hygiene practices or vaccination, and public education about this medical topic. This includes leading awareness campaigns and having quality healthcare provider training. Addressing AMR requires a multifaceted approach involving individuals, healthcare providers, and governments working together to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and improve overall health outcomes.