: Development of new alternatives is vital to fighting the threat. Core Passage Themes Global Threat of Antibiotic Resistance | PDF - Scribd
The consequences of this trend are devastating. Common medical procedures that we take for granted—such as hip replacements, cesarean sections, and chemotherapy—rely heavily on effective antibiotics to prevent post-operative infections. If these drugs lose their potency, the risk associated with these procedures will skyrocket. Moreover, the economic burden is significant; treating resistant infections requires longer hospital stays, more expensive "last-resort" drugs, and intensive care, straining healthcare budgets globally. : Development of new alternatives is vital to
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which are bacteria that can survive and thrive despite the presence of antibiotics. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development. If these drugs lose their potency, the risk
In agriculture, the European Union banned the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in 2006. Norway successfully reduced resistant bacteria in farmed salmon and livestock by combining vaccination, improved hygiene, and restricted antibiotic use. However, in countries like India and Brazil, unregulated sales persist, and resistance genes have been found in urban water supplies, wildlife, and even remote glaciers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), antibiotic
Antimicrobial resistance: Impacts, challenges, and future prospects
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are primary contributors to the development of antibiotic resistance. The widespread prescription of antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold, and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, have accelerated the emergence of resistant bacteria. Additionally, the lack of new antibiotics being developed and the inadequate infection control practices in healthcare settings have exacerbated the problem.