Under growing threat of antibiotic resistance

The indiscriminate use of antibiotic drugs in the country has become a serious concern with far-reaching consequences for public health. A recent study conducted at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) sheds light on the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance, emphasising the need for immediate action to address this pressing issue. The study focused on the presence of harmful microbes in the human body, the efficacy of antibiotics in combating these microbes, and the antimicrobial sensitivity of various strains. The findings revealed a disturbing trend - antibiotics, once hailed as miracle drugs, are losing their effectiveness due to the surge in antibiotic resistance and inappropriate usage. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria undergo changes that render them impervious to the effects of medications designed to kill or inhibit their growth. Consequently, bacterial infections become increasingly challenging to treat, posing a grave threat to public health. This phenomenon is a subset of antimicrobial resistance, a broader issue that encompasses resistance to various types of microorganisms.

As for the reasons for indiscriminate use of antibiotics, it is not the physicians who are so much to blame as the consumers are because in many cases they bypass prescriptions from registered physicians and obtain antibiotics directly from drug stores' counters. The lax attitude of pharmacies, often dispensing antibiotics without proper authorisation, exacerbates the problem. Salespersons of pharmacies also prescribe antibiotics to people coming to them with health complaints. The consequence is the random application of these drugs, irrespective of necessity, leading to potential health complications. Self-medication with antibiotics is a dangerous trend that must be curbed to preserve the effectiveness of these crucial medications.

While antibiotics are known to have side effects, their benefits usually outweigh the risks when prescribed judiciously by qualified physicians. However, it is commonly alleged that a significant number of antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily. This unnecessary use occurs when antibiotics are prescribed for minor ailments that could be treated with non-antibiotic alternatives. Moreover, antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for infections caused by bacteria that do not require antibiotic intervention, contributing further to the rise of antibiotic resistance. Unfortunately, the authorities, namely the health ministry and regulatory bodies under it, do not seem to have paid attention to the problem. Clearly, this amounts to utter neglect to public healthcare.

To combat the growing menace of antibiotic resistance, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Deterrent measures must be implemented to regulate the availability of antibiotics, ensuring that they are dispensed only on valid prescriptions. The onus is also on physicians to exercise caution and prudence when prescribing antibiotic drugs. In advanced countries, antibiotics are typically prescribed as a last resort, when no other viable treatment options exist. To address this problem, both consumers and healthcare professionals must play their part responsibly. Stricter regulations backed up by heightened awareness and education campaigns, can help stem the tide of unnecessary antibiotic use. It is crucial to recognise the importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics or else people here may have to grapple with untreatable infections and end up surrendering the healthcare system to chances.