What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics are medications used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria and some fungi. Antibiotics are not effective in treating infections caused by viruses.
The definition of antibiotic resistance is the adaptive change in bacteria (mutation) that allows them to grow in the presence of a drug (an antibiotic) that would normally slow their growth or kill them. These antibiotic resistant bacteria and fungi become harder to treat, causing increased morbidity.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) statistics show there are approximately 2 million antibiotic resistant infections each year in the United States. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), antibiotic resistant infections can lead to longer hospital stays, higher treatment costs, and more deaths.
Antibiotics 101
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad St?ppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
Mary thinks she may have a bladder infection.She makes
the call to her doctor and is able get an appointment to come in and give a urine sample. Sure
enough, bladder infection. Her doctor prescribes an
antibiotic for the infection. Mary goes to the pharmacy, fills the prescription
and as she is
driving home, begins to think of questions that she should have asked her doctor
about the antibiotic.
This scenario has run through many patients’ minds. What are the side effectsof the
antibiotic? How soon should I begin to feel better? What if I don’t feel better
after 4 or 5 days? When should I call my doctor? Should I be concerned about a
rashor other side effects that develop while taking the antibiotic?
Antibiotics 101
Antibiotics are a class of drugs that treat bacterial
infections by stopping growth of bacteria or killing the bacteria directly. It’s
important to remember that antibiotics are ineffective in treating infections
causes by viruses, which include the majority of colds, sore throats(with the exception of
streptococcus-induced, or so-called
“strep throat”),
coughs, and
flu-like
illnesses.
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How are antibiotic-resistant infections diagnosed?
Tests may be used to determine which microbe is causing an infection and to which antibiotics the microbe might be resistant (called a “culture and sensitivity”). But often, diagnostic tests can take days to weeks to get results because many of tests require the microbe to grow over a period of time before it can be identified.
Samples may be taken of blood, urine, stool, sputum, tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or mucus from the nose, throat, or genitals. Samples may then be stained and examined under a microscope, cultured (allowed to grow), or tested for antibodies, antigens, or genetic material (such as DNA or RNA) from the microorganism to determine the organism responsible for the infection.
In many cases treatment decisions are needed before test results are known and healthcare providers may prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics when a more specific treatment might be better.
What is the treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections?
A doctor will decide when to use antibiotics, and what drugs should be used. Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections and sometimes, fungal infections. Antibiotics are not intended for use against viral infections. They are ineffective and may contribute to the development antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
If you have a bacterial infection that is resistant to a particular antibiotic, a doctor can prescribe a different, more appropriate, antibiotic that is more effective against that organism.
Can antibiotic resistance be prevented?
To prevent antibiotic resistance, follow all instructions from your doctor on taking prescription medications. Complete the entire course of the antibiotics as directed, even if you feel better before you finish them. Never share your medications with others or take medicine prescribed for another person.
The less often you get sick, the less often you might need to take antibiotics. The less often you take antibiotics, the less likely your infections are to develop antibiotic resistance. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep can help your immune system stay healthy.
In addition, practice good hygiene such as washing hands frequently to prevent the spread of illness.
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