Understanding Antibiotics and their Role

Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to combat bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria directly or inhibiting their growth,allowing the body’s immune system to effectively fight off the infection. However, it’s crucial to understand that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like the common cold or flu. Actually, using antibiotics for viral illnesses can contribute to a dangerous phenomenon: antibiotic resistance.

The Alarming Rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have lead to a significant global health threat: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, they can evolve and develop mechanisms to resist the drugs’ effects. This means that the antibiotics become less effective, or even completely ineffective, at treating infections.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. A recent report estimates that drug-resistant infections could kill 10 million people each year by 2050 if no action is taken. This is more than the number of people who currently die from cancer annually.

The use of antibiotics that are not appropriate can cause resistant or immune bacteria so that patients need more drug doses or longer time to recover from disease.

How Antibiotic Resistance Develops

Bacteria can develop resistance through several mechanisms.Some bacteria can mutate their genetic material, making them less susceptible to the antibiotic. Others can develop enzymes that break down the antibiotic, rendering it harmless. Bacteria can also acquire resistance genes from other bacteria through a process called horizontal gene transfer.

The Central Board of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) emphasizes that inappropriate antibiotic use fosters resistant bacteria, necessitating higher doses or prolonged treatment for patients to recover.

The Consequences of Antibiotic Resistance

When antibiotics fail, infections can become more severe, leading to longer hospital stays, increased medical costs, and a higher risk of death. resistant bacteria can also spread to other people, making it more arduous to control outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Consider the case of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. MRSA infections can be difficult to treat and can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis and pneumonia. The rise of MRSA is a stark reminder of the dangers of antibiotic resistance.

Responsible Antibiotic Use: A Crucial Step

To combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, it is essential to use antibiotics responsibly. This means:

• Only taking antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor. Do not demand antibiotics from your doctor if they believe you have a viral infection.
• Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Complete the full course of treatment, even if you start to feel better.
• Never sharing antibiotics with others.
• Preventing infections in the first place. Practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, and get vaccinated against preventable diseases.

The Doctor’s Role in Prescribing Antibiotics

Doctors play a critical role in ensuring that antibiotics are used appropriately. They should carefully evaluate patients to determine whether an antibiotic is truly necessary and prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for the specific infection. Doctors should also educate patients about the importance of taking antibiotics as prescribed and the risks of antibiotic resistance.

“(Use) Antibiotics must have a doctor’s prescription,”

Edi Hartoyo, Chairman of the Idai tropical infection coordination unit

Edi Hartoyo, Chairman of the IDAI tropical infection coordination unit, strongly advises parents to seek medical advice before giving their children antibiotics, emphasizing that a doctor’s assessment is crucial to determine the necessity of antibiotic treatment.

Adhering to Prescribed Dosages

It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping treatment prematurely can allow surviving bacteria to multiply and potentially develop resistance.This can lead to a recurrence of the infection and make it more difficult to treat in the future.

Failing to finish the prescribed course of antibiotics not only risks the recurrence of the original infection but also considerably elevates the risk of fostering antibiotic resistance within the body. The surviving bacteria, having been exposed to the antibiotic, can develop and pass on resistance traits, complicating future treatments.