Research by CDC on Antibiotic resistance and management literature review

Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance

According to CDC (2017) research, antibiotics are medications that are used to prevent contagions caused by bacteria entering humans and animals. In summary, antibiotics combat these infections by either killing the bacteria or creating an environment in which the bacteria cannot exist or reproduce. While antimicrobial is another term for antibiotic, it simply refers to both natural and manmade ingredients. On the other hand, the CDC (2017) defines antibiotic resistance as bacteria’s ability to resist the effects of antibiotics. Resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces the effectiveness of medications, chemicals, or other substances used to treat diseases. Instead, the bacteria are able to survive, continue to multiply causing more harm.

The Global Crisis of Antibiotic Resistance

Based on a report by WHO (2017), antibiotic resistance is a global clinical crisis that is highly likely to threaten the existence of modern medicine. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) while our hospitals lack new antibiotics to fight off the increasing danger of antimicrobial resistance, what is evident in chemists and hospitals is anything but alterations of existing cluster of antibiotics that can only provide a transitory solution. The reality is that there are considerably minimal remedial options for antibiotic-resistant contagions that threaten the survival of humanity such as tuberculosis that kills more than 250,000 people annually. A study by Shan (2016) and WHO (2017) shows the need for more research and development of antibiotic-resistant contagions such as TB unless humanity may be unable to fend off themselves from preventable ailments or recover from minor surgery.

Identifying and Treating Resistant Pathogens

Apart from antibiotic resistance to TB, some a cluster of 12 pneumonia-causing pathogens have also been identified. Nonetheless, these pathogens are somehow resistant to existing antibiotics, an aspect that begs for the invention of new treatments. Nonetheless, the 2017 report by WHO goes ahead to present a class of 8 novel treatments that will augment the current antibiotic treatment. However, more research is warranted from pharmaceutical organizations and medical researchers, with a focus on innovative antibiotics that have the ability to dismantle the defense mechanism and eradicate deadly pathogens in a matter of minutes.

Collaboration and Appropriate Use of Antibiotics

Conversely, while new treatments may not be adequate to fight off the danger of antimicrobial resistance, there is need for collaboration among different nations to enhance prevention and management of contagions. Collaboration is also critical when it comes to fostering an appropriate use of current and future antibiotics (Shan, 2016). A study by Legare et al. (2012) demonstrates that over the counter use of antibiotics to treat simple infection like acute respiratory infections (ARIs) has culminated into microbial resistance in Canada. On the other hand, the same study shows that ARIs are used by primary care consultants in the US. What becomes obvious is that antibiotics are abused, if not overused. Efforts to boost the use of antibiotics for ARIs have not been productive in ambulatory environment. There is need for shared decision making (SDM) to ensure that interventions in place are bent towards minimizing the incorrect use of antibiotics in treating ARIs (Legare et al., 2012).

The Importance of Good Hygiene Practices

According to Tanner & Mistry (2011) good hygiene practices are a critical path towards preventing pathogens from spreading. Hand hygiene is especially pertinent. Since people can contaminate germs by touching objects that are already contaminated or by touching infected individuals, proper hand washing where soap or disinfectant is used can help prevent infection.

References

CDC (2017). Antibiotic Prescribing and Use in Doctor’s Offices. (2017, September 25). Retrieved November 04, 2017, from https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic use/community/about/antibiotic-resistance-faqs.html

Légaré, F., Labrecque, M., Cauchon, M., Castel, J., Turcotte, S., & Grimshaw, J.,. (2012). Training family physicians in shared decision-making to reduce the overuse of antibiotics in acute respiratory infections: A cluster randomized trial. Canadian Medical Association. Journal, 184(13), E726-34. Accessed Nov 11, 2017 from https://search.proquest.com/docview/1069227973?accountid=34574

Shan, Y. (2016). Antimicrobial resistance: A growing crisis. Primary Health Care (2014). 26(1), 18.doi: Accessed Nov 11, 2017 from http://dx.doi.org/10.7748/phc.26.1.18.s27

Tanner, J. & Mistry, N. (2011). Hand hygiene: product preference and compliance. Nursing Times, 107 (6),16-19.

WHO (2017). The world is running out of antibiotics, WHO report confirms. (2017, September 20). Accessed Nov 11, 2017 from www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2017/running-out-antibiotics/en/.