Antibiotic Resistance Crisis and Prudent Antibiotic Use

Introduction to Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from reproducing and spreading. Before antibiotics, simple bacterial infections could often progress and cause serious illness or death.

The discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century transformed medicine. Diseases that were once lethal became easily treatable with antibiotic drugs. However, overuse and misuse of antibiotics now threatens their effectiveness.

How Antibiotics Work

Antibiotics fight infections caused by bacteria but not viruses. They work by:

• Killing bacteria directly
• Stopping bacteria from reproducing and spreading
• Slowing bacteria's production of proteins

Different types of antibiotics work in different ways to attack bacteria. But all antibiotic drugs selectively target bacterial cells, not human cells.

Common Classes of Antibiotics

Some common antibiotic classes and how they work:

• Penicillins - interfere with bacterial cell wall formation
• Cephalosporins - hamper cell wall synthesis
• Fluoroquinolones - block bacterial DNA replication
• Macrolides - prevent bacterial protein production
• Tetracyclines - inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria
• Aminoglycosides - disrupt bacterial protein synthesis

Antibiotic Resistance Crisis

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change and become resistant to the antibiotics designed to kill them. Overusing antibiotics accelerates this process.

How Bacteria Become Resistant

Bacteria can become antibiotic resistant in different ways:

• Natural selection - Resistant strains survive and pass on resistance genes
• Genetic mutation - Random DNA changes lead to resistance
• Gene transfer - Bacteria share resistance genes with each other

These mechanisms allow bacteria to neutralize antibiotics designed to kill them. Resistant bacteria then multiply and spread infection that is difficult to treat.

Consequences of Antibiotic Resistance

The rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria, known as superbugs, threatens our ability to treat common infectious diseases including:

• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Gonorrhoea
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections
• Bloodstream infections

Without effective antibiotics, these conditions can become extremely dangerous and life threatening. Antibiotic resistance also leads to:

• Longer hospital stays
• Higher chance of complications and death
• Need for more expensive treatments
• Greater burden on healthcare systems

Overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and aquaculture also accelerates build up of resistance in the environment.

Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

Key steps individuals and policy makers can take to prevent antibiotic resistance include:

• Use antibiotics only as directed by medical professionals
• Never take leftover or unnecessary antibiotics
• Follow treatment regimens till completion
• Practice infection control measures like hand washing
• Reduce antibiotic use on farms and fish factories
• Fund development of new antibiotic drugs

Common Antibiotics and Uses

Doctors select antibiotics to treat infections based on which bacteria is causing the infection, its severity and where in the body it is located. Some popular antibiotics include:

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is effective against different Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. It interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis. Uses include treating:

• Ear infections
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Upper respiratory tract infections

Azithromycin

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing and replicating. It is used for:

• Strep throat
• Pneumonia
• Typhoid fever
• Chlamydia infections

Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic in the tetracycline class. It fights both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria by interfering with protein synthesis. Uses include:

• Acne
• Urinary tract infections
• Chlamydia infections
• Malaria prevention

Cephalexin

Cephalexin, a first generation cephalosporin, works against Gram positive bacteria by disrupting their cell walls. It treats infections such as:

• Bone and joint infections
• Respiratory tract infections
• Ear infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections

How Antibiotics Are Used

Choosing the right antibiotic and proper use are vital for effectively treating infections and slowing resistance. Guidelines include:

Diagnostic Tests First

Culturing infected fluid or tissue samples identifies the specific bacteria causing illness. This allows targeting treatment to the strain causing the infection.

Avoiding Unnecessary Antibiotics

Since antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, they should not be used for viral sinus infections, colds or flus. Many minor bacterial infections also clear up without antibiotics.

Proper Dosage and Duration

Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed is crucial. Incomplete treatment allows the strongest bacteria to survive and promotes resistance. Stopping when feeling better increases resistance.

Trying Narrow Spectrum First

When possible, narrow spectrum antibiotics that target specific families of bacteria should be used first. Broad spectrum antibiotics that target many bacteria types increase chances of resistance.

Using Topical Over Systemic if Possible

For superficial skin infections, topical antibiotics reduce unnecessary systemic exposure leading to less resistance. However systemic antibiotics are still preferred for deeper infections.

Choosing Last Resort Drugs Carefully

Restricting powerful last resort drugs delays bacteria developing resistance. But life threatening infections may require such antibiotics after considering resistance data and options.

Future of Antibiotic Treatments

Preserving antibiotic effectiveness demands responsible use policies combined with developing new treatment options as science advances knowledge of drug resistance in bacteria including:

New Testing Methods

Rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests allow faster, more specific identification of bacterial strains improving early targeted treatment while reducing empirical antibiotic use.

Antibiotic Alternating or Mixing

Alternating or combining antibiotic use against difficult infections may improve efficacy and curb resistance to any single drug. More research is still needed on optimal alternation approaches.

Novel Antibiotic Drug Discovery

Expanding research into new antibiotic sources from microbes, medicinal plants, insects and marine environments may yield new drugs able to counteract resistant bacteria where traditional options fall short.

Phage Therapy

Viruses that attack specific bacteria, called phages or phage therapy, may prove an alternative where antibiotics fail. However, questions remain about phage treatment efficacy and safety.

Responsible antibiotic prescription guided by diagnostic testing combined with behavior promoting their judicious use provides the best health protection as medical science strives to stay ahead of rapidly adapting bacteria through disciplined prevention policies and next-generation treatments.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.