Läkemedelsresistens

Läkemedelsresistens, also known as antibiotic resistance, is a significant global health issue where microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, develop the ability to withstand the effects of medications designed to kill them or inhibit their growth. This resistance can occur naturally over time or be accelerated by the misuse or overuse of antibiotics in human and animal medicine, agriculture, and aquaculture.

Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in healthcare settings, as it can lead to treatment failures, prolonged illnesses, and increased healthcare costs. It also poses a threat to public health, as resistant infections can spread rapidly and affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the top 10 global health threats. To combat this issue, various strategies are being implemented, including promoting responsible antibiotic use, developing new antibiotics, and improving infection prevention and control measures. However, the challenge of antibiotic resistance is complex and requires a multifaceted approach to be effectively addressed.