WHY ANTIBIOTICS?

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are chemical agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria by either killing them or stopping them from growing. They are used in the treatment and prevention of diseases. Antibiotics have improved the life span of human due to their positive outcomes in the management of many bacterial infections

Antibiotics resistance

This is the ability for a microorganism (bacteria) to thrive in the presence of antibiotic treatment, which has been previously considered effective for its management against them.

The development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has made antibiotics lose their effectiveness over time. These microorganisms have made some common infections hard to treat

Causes of antibiotic resistance

Frequent and inappropriate use of antibiotics in self-resolving diseases, for example, cold and flu, can lead to antibiotic resistance

Disruption in an ongoing antibiotic treatment. For example, non-compliance to the prescribed duration and frequency of antibiotics

Excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics due to delayed identification of the bacterial pathogens and their antibacterial sensitivity.

Poor storage of medication can lead to its potency loss due to heat or humidity

Misconceptions about antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are less effective. It has been believed that intravenous antibiotics are more effective than oral antibiotics. However, the route of administration is not as important as the concentration of the antibiotics. Some oral antibiotics are as effective as the intravenous due to their very good oral bioavailability (This refers to the fraction of the oral antibiotics that reaches the systemic circulation to carry out their pharmacological effect at the site of infection)

Longer use of antibiotics prevents relapse of infection. This historic belief has less evidence. Many infections can be treated using a short duration of antibiotics, which has been proven by current literature. A short course of antibiotics reduces the chances of an adverse drug reaction occurring.

Fever should be treated immediately with antibiotics. Physical examination and history taking are required to know the source of infection, if present. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics before the identification of infection can cause a delay in diagnoses.

Antibiotics alone can cure an infection. Addressing the promoting factor of the infection is as important as the use of antibiotics. For example, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of a pyogenic abscess without its drainage will be ineffective.

Individual responsibilties for the prevention of antibiotic resistance

Avoid the use of antibiotics without a prescription

Adhere to the prescribed antimicrobial treatment.

Ensure infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene, food hygiene, etc

Always seek appropriate medical advice when needed

References

Lam, J. C., & Bourassa‐Blanchette, S. (2023). Ten common misconceptions about antibiotic use in the hospital. Journal of Hospital Medicine, 18(12), 1123-1129. https://doi.org/10.1002/jhm.13220

Adedeji, W. A. (2016). The treasure called antibiotics. Annals of Ibadan postgraduate medicine, 14(2), 56.

Shukuri, N., & Dugassa, J. (2018). Review on antibiotic resistance and its mechanism of development. Journal of health, health, medicine and nursing, 1, 1-17.

Mobarki, N., Almerabi, B., & Hattan, A. (2019). Antibiotic resistance crisis. Int. J. Med. Dev. Ctries, 40(4), 561-564.

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board