In 1928, with the commendable effort of Sir Alexander Fleming, the world received the cure of various infectious diseases with the discovery of Penicillin. Penicillin is a broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotic that is effective for gram-positive bacteria. This invention became a breakthrough for medical science and the variation of antibiotics marketed in the 10 decades for treating bacterial infections.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Mostly antibiotic works by inhibiting the cell wall synthesis of bacteria or inhibiting the protein synthesis of the specific bacteria. There are a few more mechanisms of action of antibiotics in the human body to prevent bacterial infections.
Now come to the point of antibiotic resistance which is an alarming condition when an antibiotic fails to prevent bacterial infections in the human body. Due to resistance a simple fever can also be life-threatening for a patient.
What is the reason behind antibiotic resistance?
Several reasons can be addressed but mainly the misusage of antibiotics by people is responsible for this global concern. Worldwide most people are habituated to not completing the antibiotic doses after getting a cure from illness. Bacteria can survive in the human body with mutated spores and with a susceptible environment, they rejuvenate, multiply, and attack again. Due to mutation, the same antibiotic with the same dose does not work against the same variant of bacteria.
How to get rid of antibacterial resistance?
Public awareness is the first thing that can prevent antibacterial resistance. Again we can follow some precautions to fight against this frightening condition.
- Without proper testing, an antibiotic should never be prescribed by the physician. Antibiotic has no role in fighting against viral infection.
- Increasing people’s awareness against skipping antibiotic doses. The dose regimen should be completed correctly.
- Avoid taking antibiotics without a licensed physician.
- The government should be strict with the buying and selling of antibiotics without a prescription.
- With the acknowledgment of Pharmacists, antibiotics should be purchased by the patient.
Conclusion
An antibiotic takes several years of research and a lot of financial support to be discovered. But with the insincere usage, it can be resistant within a year. An antibiotic can also be resistant to an unborn child due to their parental genetics. Considering the risk to future generations and to build a shield against bacteria, a general awareness is required from every layer of mankind.
