Review on Mechanisms, Contributing Factors, Consequences, and Control Strategies of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics, Antimicrobial resistance, Appropriate use, Control, Prevention
Author: Zabihullah Fasihi
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious threats to human and animal health, which complicates the treatment of infectious diseases. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanisms, contributing factors, consequences, and strategies for controlling resistance to antibacterial drugs. This research employed a descriptive-analytical method to investigate the mechanisms, effective factors, consequences, and strategies for controlling antibiotic resistance. For this purpose, research articles, reviews, and related scientific documents that addressed at least one of these topics were selected. After reviewing the titles and abstracts of the articles, key information was extracted from them. The results of this study indicate that indiscriminate and irregular use of antibiotics, inadequate education, poor-quality antibiotics, limited diagnostic facilities, and insufficient hygiene are key factors contributing to the emergence and spread of microbial resistance. It is estimated that by 2050, the annual mortality rate may reach 10 million people, and the associated economic loss could rise to 100 trillion dollars per year. Antibiotic resistance has serious consequences for public health, the global economy, and the agriculture and livestock sector, and can reduce food security and increase production costs. Effective control of antimicrobial resistance requires educational programs, the promotion and monitoring of appropriate use, advanced diagnostic methods, and the development of new antibiotics.
