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Global Journal of Life Sciences and Biological Research

Global Journal of Life Sciences and Biological Research
Open Access

ISSN: 2456-3102

+44-20-4587-4809

Opinion Article - (2022)Volume 8, Issue 4

The Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

 
*Correspondence: Christian Stephenie, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece, Email:

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About the Study

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to antibiotics, rendering the drugs ineffective. This essay discusses drug resistance in bacteria, including the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of resistance, as well as the strategies for combating this global public health problem.

Causes of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is primarily caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals. The overuse of antibiotics in humans occurs when people take antibiotics unnecessarily, such as for viral infections like the common cold, which antibiotics do not treat. Additionally, people may stop taking antibiotics before the full course is completed, leading to incomplete eradication of the bacterial infection and allowing the remaining bacteria to develop resistance. Similarly, the misuse of antibiotics in animals occurs when farmers give antibiotics to healthy animals to promote growth or prevent diseases. This practice creates a selective pressure that favors the survival and growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can then spread to humans through the food chain.

Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance can occur through several mechanisms, including:

Mutation: Bacteria can mutate their DNA, leading to changes in the target sites of antibiotics. For instance, bacteria may mutate the genes that code for the bacterial ribosome, which is the target of many antibiotics, leading to changes in the ribosome's structure and function. These changes can prevent antibiotics from binding to the ribosome, rendering the drugs ineffective.

Enzymatic degradation: Bacteria can produce enzymes that degrade antibiotics, rendering them inactive. For instance, some bacteria produce beta-lactamases, which are enzymes that break down beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins.

Efflux pumps: Bacteria can use efflux pumps to pump antibiotics out of their cells, preventing the drugs from reaching their target sites. These pumps can pump out multiple types of antibiotics, making bacteria resistant to several drugs.

Biofilm formation: Bacteria can form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria encased in a protective matrix. Biofilms protect bacteria from antibiotics and the host's immune system, making it difficult to eradicate the infection.

Consequences of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance has significant consequences for public health, including:

Morbidity and mortality: Antibiotic-resistant infections are more difficult to treat and often require more extended hospitalization and more expensive treatments, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Healthcare costs: Antibiotic-resistant infections increase healthcare costs due to longer hospital stays, more frequent laboratory tests, and more expensive treatments. In the United States alone, antibiotic-resistant infections cost an estimated $20 billion per year in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Limited treatment options: As bacteria develop resistance to multiple antibiotics, healthcare providers have limited treatment options for infected patients. This limitation can result in the use of less effective and more toxic antibiotics, leading to more adverse effects and longer hospital stays.

Global spread: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread globally through travel and trade, making it challenging to contain outbreaks and control the spread of infections.

Strategies for combating antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern, with the potential to undermine the effectiveness of modern medicine.

It arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to antibiotics, leading to infections that are difficult or impossible to treat.

Fortunately, there are several strategies that can be employed to combat antibiotic resistance, including the following:

Rational antibiotic use: Antibiotics should only be used when they are necessary, and in the right dose and duration. This means avoiding overuse or misuse of antibiotics, such as prescribing them for viral infections or using them for longer than necessary.

Antibiotic stewardship: Healthcare providers should practice antibiotic stewardship, which involves using antibiotics in a way that minimizes the development of resistance. This includes measures such as prescribing the narrowest spectrum antibiotic that is effective, avoiding unnecessary combination therapy, and reviewing antibiotic use regularly.

Infection prevention and control: Preventing infections from occurring in the first place can help reduce the need for antibiotics. This can be achieved through measures such as hand hygiene, vaccination, and proper infection control procedures in healthcare settings.

Development of new antibiotics: Research and development of new antibiotics is critical to combat antibiotic resistance. However, it is important to use new antibiotics responsibly to avoid further selection pressure for resistance.

Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as bacteriophages, probiotics, and immunotherapy are being explored as potential options for treating bacterial infections without relying on antibiotics.

Public education: Educating the public about the appropriate use of antibiotics and the consequences of antibiotic resistance can help promote responsible use and reduce unnecessary demand.

International cooperation: Antibiotic resistance is a global issue that requires international cooperation and coordination to effectively address. Collaborative efforts can help develop and implement strategies to combat antibiotic resistance on a global scale.

Antibiotic resistance requires a multifaceted approach that involves rational antibiotic use, antibiotic stewardship, infection prevention and control, development of new antibiotics, alternative therapies, public education, and international cooperation. Implementing these strategies will be critical in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and ensuring that we have effective treatments for bacterial infections in the future.

Author Info

 
Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
 

Citation: Stephenie C (2022) The Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria. Glob J Lif Sci Biol Res. 8: 017

Received: 07-Oct-2022, Manuscript No. GJLSBR-22-23548; Editor assigned: 10-Oct-2022, Pre QC No. GJLSBR-22-23548 (PQ); Reviewed: 25-Oct-2022, QC No. GJLSBR-22-23548; Revised: 01-Nov-2022, Manuscript No. GJLSBR-22-23548 (R); Published: 08-Nov-2022 , DOI: 10.35248/2456-3102.22.8.017

Copyright: © 2022 Stephenie C. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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