ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE
ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE Some of these mutations make microbes less susceptible to the effects of antimicrobials, a phenomenon known as antimicrobial resistance. (WHO) defines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as “resistance of a microorganism to an antimicrobial drug that was originally effective for treatment of infections caused by it.” Resistance occurs when an antimicrobial has lost its ability to effectively control or eliminate a microbial infection against which it was once effective. The microbes are then considered “resistant” and are able to continue to replicate even when the antimicrobial is present. While many people are aware that bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance, resistance also occurs in viruses, parasites, and fungi. Approximately 700,000 deaths worldwide can be attributed to AMR each year, a figure that is poised to jump to 10 million by 2050 if actions are not taken to combat its spread. HOW DOES AMR OCCUR? Some microbes are pre-progra...