Antimicrobial drugs, classified as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic, are drugs that kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when these pathogens no longer respond to these drugs and therefore become ineffective against infections. AMR increases the risk of spreading to others. AMR, often referred to as “The Silent Epidemic”, is one of the major global threats that humanity is now facing.
AMR Mechanism
AMR is normally a natural process that happens over time through cell division. With every division some pathogens, let’s say bacteria, can gain drug resistance through random mutations. In the case of antibiotic exposure, these antibiotic-resistant bacteria can now survive in this environment/body, however, the others die. With time antibiotic-resistant bacteria can grow and multiply in number. Then they can even transfer resistant genetic material to other bacteria.
With this mechanism drug-resistant microorganisms can spread between animal, human, and plant populations and migrate through the environment, compromising our ability to survive infections.
Consequences of AMR
The main reason is the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and plants. AMR risks making all modern medicine infections untreatable and increasing the risk of even routine medical procedures. It creates the need for more expensive and intensive care while prolonging hospital stays. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. However, the most severe consequences occur in low—and middle-income countries.
AMR in Numbers
AMR poses a threat to human and animal health, and food security. If no action is taken, it is estimated that drug-resistant disease could cause 10 million deaths each year and an overall additional cost of 1 trillion dollars to the global economy by 2050.
In 2019, only bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths, while contributing to 4.95 million deaths in total.
Actions Against AMR
Actions against AMR start with preventing infections in the first place. Everyone’s access to essential healthcare services, timely, and accurate diagnosis, and appropriate diagnosis should be ensured. Health professionals should follow the local regulations for antimicrobial prescription.
On an individual level, one can prevent AMR through:
-Hygiene and vaccination
-Use antibiotics only when prescribed and following the recommended dose and duration
-Never share or use leftover antibiotics
The World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW)
The World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and promote best practices in countries to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. It is celebrated between 18-24 November every year.
On WAAW (World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week), as Anatolia, we emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis, which is the basic step for the prevention of infections and appropriate treatment. With our research on antimicrobial resistance, we continue to develop innovative solutions to serve global health. We provide an important solution in this field by offering the opportunity to detect 10 different antibiotic resistance genes from human whole blood samples with our products such as the Bosphore ABR Screening Kit, which we deliver to the end user.
