Causes of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance cannot be stopped completely as it happens naturally through:-

• Mutations of the bacterial genes
• Transfer of resistant genes from one bacterium to another. 

But this process is speeding up due to the current ‘Misuse and Overuse’ of antibiotics.

The main cause of antibiotic resistance is antibiotic use. When we use antibiotics, some bacteria die but resistant bacteria can survive and even multiply. A of lack of competition for space to multiply makes this process easier. Because of this the more antibiotics are used it makes resistant bacteria more likely and more frequent. In turn this means that antibiotics won’t work when we need them in the future. Remember antibiotics are not just given to treat infections but sometimes are used to prevent infections as well.  They are also widely administered to animals also. Historically antibiotics were even added to animal feeds as a preventative measure and although this use has reduced in some countries it remains and has even increased in some countries.

However, there is a lot we can still do:

• If we decrease antibiotic prescribing and usage, the antibiotics may again become effective at killing bacteria. 
• Poor hygiene and poor infection prevention and control can provide more opportunity for resistant bacteria and other germs to spread. This in turn make more people sick and increase the need for antibiotics. Because of this simple hand hygiene and the use of Personal protective Equipment (PPE) e.g., gloves are the most important way of preventing the spread of infections including antibiotic resistant infections. Remember if there is no infection in the first place there is no need to use antibiotics.