The Shocking Truth About Antibiotic Resistance
1. How is Antibiotic Resistance Defined?
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to withstand the antimicrobial power of antibiotics. Simply put, antibiotics that used to cure an infection no longer work.
Antibiotic resistance is a global threat, and The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers antibiotic resistance one of their top health concerns. Infections with drug-resistant bacteria may lead to longer hospital stays, more costly care, and an increased risk of death.
2. What are Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria?
Antibiotic resistant bacteria cannot be fully inhibited or killed by an antibiotic. The drug may have been able to cure an infection before the resistance occurred, but now is not fully effective.
Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by adapting their structure or function in some way that prevents them from being killed by the antibiotic. Examples of bacteria that have become antibiotic resistant include those that cause skin infections, meningitis, sexually transmitted diseases and lung infections such as pneumonia.
3. Why is Antibiotic Resistance So Important?
Antibiotic resistance can lead to a life-threatening bacterial infection. One reason bacteria are becoming resistant is because antibiotics are sometimes inappropriately used for an illness caused by a virus. An antibiotic cannot cure a viral infection.
Examples of illnesses that are caused by a virus include most sore throats, coughs, colds and runny noses, sinusitis, bronchitis, and the flu. Talk to your doctor about your illness, discuss whether it is a bacterial or viral illness, and ask if you really need an antibiotic.
4. Why Can't Viral Infections Be Treated With Antibiotics?
Most viral illnesses do not need special medication and are “self-limiting”, meaning the patient’s own immune system can fight off the virus. A patient with a viral illness should rest, drink plenty of fluids and treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications as needed.
Sometimes, in extended viral illnesses, bacteria may invade and lead to a “secondary infection." If a fever occurs, or the illness worsens over several days, a health care provider should be contacted.
5. How Do Bacteria Become Resistant to Antibiotics?
The mechanism of bacterial resistance may happen in several ways: bacteria can neutralize the antibiotic before it has an effect, bacteria may be able to pump the antibiotic out, bacteria could change the site (receptor) where the antibiotic normally works, or bacteria can mutate and transfer genetic material to other bacteria.
Common antibiotic resistant bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus (serious skin infections) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis of the lungs).
6. What Can We Do to Help Stop the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance?
In an illness where the infection is due to a virus, such as a cough, cold or the flu, patients should avoid asking or demanding that their health care provider prescribe an antibiotic. The antibiotic will not cure the viral infection, and the patient may have side effects from the unnecessary medication.
For many viral infections, it may take 7 to 10 days to start feeling better. Over-the-counter cough, cold and pain relievers can be used to lessen symptoms; ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
7. Should I Always Finish My Antibiotics?
You should finish your antibiotic regimens unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you do have leftover antibiotics from a previous illness, do not reuse them without instructions from your doctor.
If you reuse an old antibiotic for what you think is an infection without seeing your doctor first, it may turn out that it's not the right antibiotic, it's simply not needed, or there may not be enough medication to fully treat the infection - all of this can worsen antibiotic resistance.
8. Can I Share My Antibiotics With Someone Else?
Do not use antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else, and don't share your antibiotics with others. Even a similar bacterial illness, like a respiratory infection, can be caused by different bacteria and require different antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistant bacteria can lead to a worsened infection and also spread to others if the infection is not treated correctly. Finishing the full course of antibiotic is important to help prevent resistance and to keep the infection from recurring.
9. My Antibiotic is Too Expensive - What Can I Do?
Many antibiotics can be expensive. If cost prevents you from buying your antibiotic it is important to tell your healthcare provider your concerns so that an alternative, lower-cost medication can be ordered.
A generic medicine may be more affordable and will treat the infection just as well as the more expensive brand name drug. There may be a prescription assistance program your healthcare provider can suggest, too.
10. What is Being Done About the Future of Antibiotic Resistance?
The FDA and the CDC have launched initiatives to help address antibiotic resistance. The FDA has issued drug labeling regulations and recommends judicious prescribing of antibiotics by health care providers.
The FDA is also encouraging new research into effective antibiotic regimens, vaccines and diagnostic tests. Antibiotic resistance is a global epidemic that everyone - health care providers, patients and caregivers - can help to prevent.
Finished: The Shocking Truth About Antibiotic Resistance
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work. Antibiotic Resistance: Questions and Answers. Accessed August 20, 2011. http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/antibiotic-use/anitbiotic-resistance-faqs.html#e
- FDA Consumer Updates. Combating Antibiotic Resistance. Accessed 3/31/2013. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092810.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance. 9/19/2012. Accessed 4/8/2013. http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/index.html