2024-09-19 04:10:23
If antibiotic resistance is not controlled, more than 39 million people may lose their lives due to drug resistant infections by 2050. A report (Ref.) published in a journal called The Lancet has revealed this.
The report, published September 16 in 2011, found that drug-resistant infections caused more than a million deaths each year between 1990 and 2021, and this could rise to nearly 2 million by 2050. About 92 million lives could be saved between 2025 and 2050 by adopting better antibiotics and infection treatments.
The researchers analyzed mortality and hospital records from 204 countries between 1990 and 2021, focusing on 22 pathogens, 84 bacterial and drug-resistant combinations, and 11 diseases, such as blood infections and meningitis.
Staphylococcus aureus infection is the most dangerous
The report shows that the number of deaths from drug-resistant infections among children under 5 years of age has decreased by more than 50% in the last 3 decades, but the mortality rate among people over 70 years of age has increased by 80%. The highest increase was seen in deaths from Staphylococcus aureus infections, which infect the skin, blood and internal organs, rising by 90.29%.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance is a condition in which microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to antibiotics (drugs). This means that when a person is given an antibiotic for an infection, the drug is no longer effective in killing or preventing the growth of the microorganism. This makes the infection difficult to treat, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
How does antibiotic resistance develop?
Antibiotic resistance typically develops due to the overuse or misuse of antibiotics, causing bacteria to find ways to evade the effects of these drugs over time. It is a global health crisis, as it can make common infections harder to treat.
Why is antibiotic resistance dangerous?
Antibiotic resistance is dangerous because it reduces treatment options for sick people. It can also delay effective treatment. This can cause you to face many problems such as-
risk of serious, prolonged illness or death
Serious side effects of medications
Prolonged stay in hospital
due to antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat infections using these medications. There are several reasons for this.
- Excessive or incorrect use of antibiotics allows bacteria to become resistant.
- Incorrect use of antibiotics, such as taking the wrong dose or stopping the medication earlier than prescribed
- Antibiotics are also used to treat viral infections, which is wrong.
- Antibiotics are used in agriculture to keep animals healthy, which can cause bacteria to become resistant.
- Spread of infection among infected patients can also promote resistance.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.