Antibiotics have been a miracle drug since their discovery in the 1920s. They have saved millions of lives by treating bacterial infections that were once considered untreatable.

However, in recent years, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest threats to global health. And the latest worry is the emergence of new bacteria that resists antibiotics.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are drugs that are used to kill or stop the growth of bacteria. They are usually prescribed by doctors to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and strep throat.

Antibiotics work by targeting the bacterial cell wall, DNA, or protein synthesis.

Why are bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics?

Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics due to the following reasons:.

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics
Not completing the full course of antibiotics
Using antibiotics when they are not needed, such as for viral infections
Using antibiotics in agriculture and livestock

When antibiotics are used frequently, bacteria can develop resistance to them. Bacteria can also transfer resistance genes to other bacteria, making them resistant as well.

This means that when antibiotics are used to treat a bacterial infection, the bacteria may not respond to the treatment, making the infection harder to treat.

New bacteria that resist antibiotics

Recently, a new type of bacteria has emerged that is resistant to multiple antibiotics. This bacteria is called Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).

CRE are a group of bacteria that are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which are often considered the last resort antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.

CRE infections are difficult to treat because they are resistant to multiple antibiotics. In some cases, there may be no effective antibiotics to treat the infection.

This can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or those who are undergoing invasive medical procedures that increase their risk of infection.

Why are we worried?

The emergence of new bacteria that resist antibiotics is a major concern for several reasons:.

Treatment options are limited: The limited treatment options can make infections difficult to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and potentially fatal outcomes.
Infections are potentially deadly: CRE infections can be fatal, especially in people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, newborns, and people undergoing chemotherapy.
The transmission is fast: CRE can spread rapidly in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, where people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable.

Prevention and control

Preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is crucial in controlling the emergence of new resistant strains. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance:.

Proper use of antibiotics: Only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional, and always complete the full course of treatment.
Good hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water can help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Vaccinations: Vaccinations can prevent bacterial infections, such as pneumococcal disease and meningitis.
Reduce antibiotic use in livestock and agriculture.

Conclusion

The emergence of new bacteria that resist antibiotics is a major public health concern. It is essential that we take immediate action to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Proper use of antibiotics, good hygiene, and vaccinations can help prevent the spread of these bacteria. By working together, we can slow the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and help protect public health.