Antibiotic Resistance: Causes, Consequences, and Control Strategies

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most serious global health challenges of the twenty-first century. Antibiotics have played a crucial role in the treatment of bacterial infections and in reducing mortality from infectious diseases. However, the widespread and often inappropriate use of antibiotics in human medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry has accelerated the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When microorganisms develop resistance, antibiotics become less effective or completely ineffective, making infections more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Several factors contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Overprescription of antibiotics, self-medication, incomplete treatment courses, and the use of antibiotics in livestock for growth promotion and disease prevention have significantly contributed to the emergence of resistant strains. In addition, poor infection control practices, lack of awareness, and limited development of new antibiotics have further aggravated the problem. These factors allow resistant bacteria to spread rapidly within communities and healthcare settings.