Final answer:
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt to survive exposure to antibiotics, and is exacerbated by the misuse and overuse of these drugs in humans and livestock. It is a serious health concern that increases medical costs, treatment complexities, and fatalities. Combatting it requires proper antibiotic use, development of new treatments, and better public education and infection controls.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a dire issue facing global health where pathogenic bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics. This resistance arises when bacteria undergo natural selection, allowing only the resistant strains to survive and propagate in the presence of antibiotic agents. Common causes of antibiotic resistance include the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock, as well as patients not completing their full course of medication, leading to incomplete eradication of the susceptible bacteria.
Combating Antibiotic Resistance
Strategies to combat antibiotic resistance involve prudent use of these drugs, avoiding antibiotics for viral infections such as the common cold or flu, and regulating the use in animal feed. Enhancing infection control measures, developing new antibiotics or alternative treatments, and increasing public awareness are other crucial steps. Moreover, completing prescribed antibiotic courses and the responsible disposal of unused medications are important individual practices to mitigate the crisis.
The emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria, or 'superbugs', emphasizes the need for immediate and coordinated action to address this escalating problem. The impact is profound as resistant infections lead to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. With at least 2 million people in the United States alone affected by these infections annually, resulting in at least 23,000 deaths, it is clear that antibiotic resistance is a pressing healthcare challenge.