Factors, Processes, And Mechanisms Involved In Antimicrobial ✓ Solved

Factors, processes and mechanisms involved in antimicrobial

Based on the information you received from the article and what you have learned about microbial resistance from your textbook, discuss the following in two paragraphs: Factors, processes and mechanisms involved in antimicrobial resistance (first paragraph). What can be done to reduce antimicrobial resistance? (2nd paragraph). Read your classmates' postings, and respond to at least three of them. Do not cut and paste. Using 5 or more words from another source without quoting and referencing it is considered plagiarism.

Paper For Above Instructions

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant and growing public health issue that arises from a variety of factors, processes, and mechanisms. One of the primary factors contributing to AMR is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in both human medicine and agriculture. Patients often do not complete prescribed antibiotic courses, leading to a selective pressure that allows resistant strains to thrive (Ventola, 2015). Additionally, the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock feed promotes the development of resistant bacteria, which can then be transmitted to humans through the food supply (Doi et al., 2017). Mechanistically, bacteria can acquire resistance through genetic mutations or by acquiring resistance genes from other bacteria via horizontal gene transfer, which can occur through transformation, transduction, or conjugation (Alekshun & Levy, 2007). These processes result in bacteria that can survive exposure to antimicrobial agents, leading to treatment failures and prolonged infections.

To combat antimicrobial resistance, several strategies can be implemented. Firstly, there needs to be a concerted effort to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics. This includes educating healthcare providers and patients about the importance of taking antibiotics only when necessary and ensuring that courses are completed as prescribed (World Health Organization, 2015). Furthermore, there is a need for enhanced surveillance of antibiotic use and resistance patterns to inform treatment guidelines and public health policies. Investment in research for new antibiotics and alternative therapies is also crucial, as is the development of rapid diagnostic tools that can help differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, potentially reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions (Laxminarayan et al., 2013). Public awareness campaigns focusing on hygiene practices and vaccination can also play a role in reducing the incidence of infections that require antibiotic treatment (Collignon et al., 2015). Through these collective efforts, the trajectory of antimicrobial resistance can be altered, benefitting both public health and the efficacy of current antimicrobial therapies.

References

  • Alekshun, M. N., & Levy, S. B. (2007). The Target of Macrolides and Lincosamides in Bacteria. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 5(1), 38-49.
  • Collignon, P., Powers, J. H., Piddock, L. J., & Recchia, G. D. (2015). Human Antibiotic Resistance: Lessons for Global Antimicrobial Use. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 60(1), 4-11.
  • Doi, Y., Paterson, D. L., & Salgado, C. D. (2017). ESKAPE Pathogens: A Review of the Issue of Antimicrobial Resistance. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 15(7), 457-464.
  • Laxminarayan, R., Duse, A., Wattal, C., et al. (2013). Antibiotic Resistance – The Need for Global Solutions. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 13(12), 1057-1098.
  • Ventola, C. L. (2015). The Antibiotic Resistance Crisis: Part 1: Causes and Threats. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 40(4), 277-283.
  • World Health Organization (2015). Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/global-action-plan-on-antimicrobial-resistance

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