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How to prevent antibiotics resistance

 


Antimicrobial Resistance is a global health challenge and as an Antimicrobial knight, it's my duty to raise awareness on Antimicrobial resistance.


Before I explain Antimicrobial resistance, it's important to know what Antimicrobials are,what they do etc.

Antimicrobials  are a class of drugs that inhibit the growth of, or destroy, bacteria. They are used to treat bacterial,viral infections  in humans and animals.  They work by targeting specific bacterial structures or functions, either killing the bacteria or inhibiting their ability to reproduce.



Now, Antimicrobial resistance in short AMR.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):




 Antimicrobial resistance refers to the ability of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to resist the effects of medications, specifically antimicrobial drugs like antibiotics. When microorganisms evolve and become resistant to the drugs designed to kill them, infections persist and may become harder to treat, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. AMR is a global health concern that underscores the importance of responsible and judicious use of antimicrobial medications.


https://www.toprevenuegate.com/sd3f9izw6r?key=5e340e8deb55161236c662054c277acb

During the symposium, I was privileged to be taught under a doctor of pharmacy, Dr. Chikezie (pharmD),He carefully highlighted some of the factors that could lead to Antimicrobial resistance.

This symposium on antimicrobial resistance was organized by the National Association of akwa ibom Medical Students association  University of Calabar chapter, in collaboration with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee (UCTH Chapter) and Antimicrobial Knights, shed light on critical issues surrounding the responsible use of antimicrobials. Dr. Chikezie, representing the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee, presented a comprehensive lecture on factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance and the committee's mission to regulate antimicrobial access.


Factors Contributing to Antimicrobial Resistance:




1. Utilization of Cheap Raw Materials:

   - According to Dr chikezie he talked about Indigenous pharmaceutical companies, facing the high cost of raw materials in Nigeria, often resort to cheaper alternatives.

   - Dr. Chikezie emphasized that these cheap raw materials may lack quality standards, leading to impurities and inadequate purification processes during drug manufacturing and this could lead to Antimicrobial resistance


2. Dr chikezie also pointed out that Substandard materials and improper manufacturing practices can result in the production of medications falling below required efficacy standards.

   - The use of suboptimal drugs may fail to eliminate targeted microbes, contributing to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms.


3. Storage Conditions of Antimicrobials:

   - Dr. Chikezie highlighted the crucial role of storage conditions, particularly for antibiotics, in maintaining stability and effectiveness. He gave an instance, "imagine a family staying in one room apartment,the fridge, everything is in one room there will be improper storage of Antimicrobial medications".

   - he added, Inappropriate storage, such as in a humid or warm environment, can lead to rapid degradation, altering the chemical composition of the drug and rendering it less potent.


4. False Labeling of Cheap Antimicrobials:

   - Cheap antimicrobials falsely labeled with higher amounts, such as 500 mg when the actual content is less than 100 mg, contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

   - Suboptimal dosage, incomplete treatment, and selection pressure are potential consequences of inaccurate labeling, fostering the emergence of resistance over time.


5. Improper Medication Adherence:

   - Deviating from prescribed dosage regimens, such as taking double doses or stopping medication prematurely, can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

   - Incomplete treatment, suboptimal drug concentrations, selective pressure, and potential drug toxicity are mechanisms through which improper adherence fosters resistance.


6. Improper Disposal and Self-Medication:

   - Inappropriate disposal and self-medication practices contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

   - Sharing medications, inconsistent administration, incomplete treatment courses, and inadequate eradication of pathogens are ways in which these practices pose a risk to antimicrobial efficacy.


Conclusion:



The symposium underscored the multifaceted nature of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the critical need for regulatory measures, adherence to quality standards, and responsible use of antimicrobials. The collaborative efforts of academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and organizations such as the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee reflect a collective commitment to addressing this global health challenge. By comprehensively addressing the outlined factors, stakeholders can contribute significantly to the prevention and mitigation of antimicrobial resistance.

Join me to raise  awareness for ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE!

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