A brief multi-disciplinary review on antimicrobial resistance in medicine and its linkage to the global environmental microbiota

Abstract

The discovery and introduction of antimicrobial agents to clinical medicine was one of the greatest medical triumphs of the 20th century that revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the gradual emergence of populations of antimicrobial-resistant pathogenic bacteria resulting from use, misuse, and abuse of antimicrobials has today become a major global health concern. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes have been suggested to originate from environmental bacteria, as clinically relevant resistance genes have been detected on the chromosome of environmental bacteria. As only a few new antimicrobials have been developed in the last decade, the further evolution of resistance poses a serious threat to public health. Urgent measures are required not only to minimize the use of antimicrobials for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes but also to look for alternative strategies for the control of bacterial infections. This review examines the global picture of antimicrobial resistance, factors that favor its spread, strategies, and limitations for its control and the need for continuous training of all stake-holders i.e., medical, veterinary, public health, and other relevant professionals as well as human consumers, in the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs.

Wastewater as a point source of antibiotic-resistance genes in the sediment of a freshwater lake

“…Moreover, various studies have demonstrated that wastewater and animal waste contain large numbers of resistant bacteria, which can pass through the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and reach the receiving water bodies (Teuber, 2001;Kü mmerer, 2004;Jury et al, 2011;Rizzo et al, 2013;Zurfluh et al, 2013). There is growing concern that continuous discharge of these contaminants may, at least locally, lead to an increase in the natural resistance background levels and thus enhance the likelihood of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) being transferred back to human and animal commensals or even pathogens (Kim and Aga, 2007;Martinez, 2009b;Cantas et al, 2013). In the long term, this 'environmental loop' could contribute to the spread of resistance in pathogens and undermine the effectiveness of current and future antibiotics.…”

A study on antibiotic prescription among the hospitalized pediatric patients at a referral center in Puducherry, India

“…In the present 21 st century every known pathogen is resistant to one or more antimicrobials. 1 Antibiotic medications are over used in both developed and developing countries. Indiscriminate use of drugs is an important global threat.…”

Characterization and Antibiotic Sensitivity Profile of Bacteria Isolated from Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections in Bangladesh

“…5 Now-a-days in appropriate prescribing of antibiotics in RTIs has become a common malpractice by many prescribers. 6,7 This practice further magnifies the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains in addition to increased adverse effect, treatment cost, resource use and consultation with doctors.…”