Mikrobilääkeresistentti

Mikrobilääkeresistentti refers to the characteristic of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to withstand the effects of antimicrobial drugs that were previously effective against them. This phenomenon, commonly known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is a growing global health threat. When microbes become resistant, infections become harder to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.

The development of resistance is a natural evolutionary process. Microbes can develop resistance through genetic mutations or by acquiring resistance genes from other microbes. However, the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, animal agriculture, and the environment accelerate this process. Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics, incomplete treatment courses, and the use of antibiotics for viral infections are significant contributing factors.

Resistant microbes can spread between people, animals, and the environment. This interconnectedness means that resistance that emerges in one setting can easily spread to others. Prevention and control strategies are crucial to combat this challenge. These include promoting responsible use of antimicrobial drugs, improving infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings, developing new antimicrobial drugs and diagnostic tools, and raising public awareness about the issue. The World Health Organization and other global health bodies are actively working to coordinate efforts to address the rising tide of mikrobilääkeresistentti infections.